最新美国发明专利第2015-07-07期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US09073933B2	Oxycodone hydrochloride having less than 25 PPM 14-hydroxycodeinone In certain embodiments the invention is directed to a process for preparing an oxycodone hydrochloride composition having less than 25 ppm of 14-hydroxycodeinone.
US09073931B2	Liver X receptor modulators Provided herein are novel compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are liver X receptor modulators. Also provided are compositions comprising compounds of the invention and a carrier. Additionally, use of the compounds herein and methods for treating a disease or disorder associated with the liver X receptor are further described.
US09073930B2	Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors for the treatment or prevention of diabetes The present invention is directed to novel substituted dihydropyrrolopyrazoles of structural Formula I which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly Type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved.
US09073928B2	Tosylate salt of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-(6-chloro-3-methyl-4, 10-dihydro-3H-2,3,4,9-tetrabenzo[f]azulene-9-carbonyl)-2-fluorobenzylamide The invention provides cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-(6-chloro-3-methyl-4,10-dihydro-3H-2,3,4,9-tetraazabenzo[f]azulene-9-carbonyl)-2-fluoro-benzylamide para-toluenesulphonate, pharmaceutical compositions containing it, and its use in therapy.
US09073927B2	Inhibitors of PI3 kinase There is provided compounds of formula (I), wherein A1, A4, A4a, A5, B1, B1a, B2, B2a, B3, B3a, B4, B4a and R3 have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable esters, amides, solvates or salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of a protein or lipid kinase (e.g. a PI3-K and/or mTOR) is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of cancer or a proliferative disease.
US09073922B2	Pyrrolo[2,3-B]pyridine CDK9 kinase inhibitors Disclosed are compounds of Formula (IIIa), wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, have any of the values defined therefore in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds may be used as agents in the treatment of diseases, including cancer. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula (IIIa).
US09073921B2	Salt forms of bicyclic heterocyclic derivatives The present invention provides novel solid forms of pharmaceutically active agents and therapeutic uses thereof. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09073919B2	Pyrazolo pyridine derivatives as NADPH oxidase inhibitors The present invention is related to pyrazolo pyridine derivatives of Formula (I), pharmaceutical composition thereof and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders or conditions related to Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH Oxidase).
US09073918B2	Pyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine-7-amine inhibitors of ALK5 The present invention provides ALK5 inhibitors of the formula wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of making the compounds and intermediates thereof; and methods of using the compounds.
US09073916B2	Prodrug forms of kinase inhibitors and their use in therapy The invention provides novel prodrug compounds comprising a kinase inhibitor and a reductively-activated fragmenting aromatic nitroheterocycle or aromatic nitrocarbocycle trigger, where the compound carries a positive charge. In preferred embodiments, the compounds are of Formula I: where: X is any negatively charged counterion; R1 is a group of the formula —(CH2)nTr, where Tr is an aromatic nitroheterocycle or aromatic nitrocarbocycle and —(CH2)nTr acts as a reductively-activated fragmenting trigger; and n is an integer from 0 to 6; R2, R3 and R4 may each independently be selected from aliphatic or aromatic groups of a tertiary amine kinase inhibitor (R2)(R3)(R4)N, or two of R2, R3, and R4 may form an aliphatic or aromatic heterocyclic amine ring of a kinase inhibitor, or one of R2, R3 and R4 may be absent and two of R2, R3 and R4 form an aromatic heterocyclic amine ring of a kinase inhibitor. The compounds of the invention are useful in treating proliferative diseases such as cancer.
US09073909B2	[1,3]oxazines The present invention provides compounds of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. The invention further provides a radio-labelled derivative thereof.
US09073907B2	Thiazoles derivatives and their use as positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula (I), wherein M, P, A and (B)n are defined as in Formula (I); invention compounds are modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors—subtype 4 (“mGluR4”) which are useful for the treatment or prevention of central nervous system disorders as well as other disorders modulated by mGluR4 receptors. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions and the use of such compounds in the manufacture of medicaments, as well as to the use of such compounds for the prevention and treatment of such diseases in which mGluR4 is involved.
US09073902B2	Substituted quinoxaline carboxylic acid compounds for the inhibition of PASK Disclosed herein are substituted quinoxaline carboxylic acids of Formula (I): and compositions thereof, which may be useful as inhibitors of PAS Kinase (PASK) activity in a human or animal for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
US09073898B2	Crystalline form of an inhibitor of MDM2/4 and p53 interaction A crystalline form of (S)-1-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-7-isopropoxy-6-methoxy-2-(4-{methyl-[4-(4-methyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yl)-trans-cyclohexylmethyl]-amino}-phenyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-isoquinolin-3-one, which is useful in the treatment of a disease or disorder associated with the interaction between p53, or variants thereof, and MDM2 and/or MDM4, or variants thereof, respectively.
US09073893B2	3-Oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indazole-4-carboxamide derivatives as PARP-1 inhibitors There are provided 3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indazole-4-carboxamide derivatives which selectively inhibit the activity of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP-1 with respect to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP-2. The compounds of this invention are therefore useful in treating diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system injury and different forms of inflammation. The present invention also provides methods for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of treating diseases utilizing pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
US09073889B2	Process for the manufacture of taxifolin from wood The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of taxifolin, comprising the following steps: stacking the wood particles in a percolator, extracting the wood particles in the percolator using ethanol to dissolve at least resins, oils, and taxifolin, discharging the ethanolic extract from the percolator, and purifying the ethanolic extract for the manufacture of taxifolin with the following steps in the specified order: preparing a mixture of water and the ethanolic extract, mixing the mixture at between 70° C. and 99° C. so that taxifolin in the aqueous phase of the mixture goes into the solution, cooling the mixture to below 65° C. for separating and removing the resin phase and the oil phase from the water phase, adding taxifolin seed crystals to the water phase, temperature controlling the water phase at between 0° C. and 30° C. for the crystallization of taxifolin, and separating the crystallized taxifolin from the mother liquor.
US09073887B2	Single step enantioselective process for the preparation of 3-substituted chiral phthalides The present invention discloses single step, highly enantioselective catalytic oxidative cyclization process for the synthesis of 3-substituted chiral phthalides. In particular, the invention discloses asymmetric synthesis of chiral phthalides via synergetic nitrile accelerated oxidative cyclization of o-cyano substituted aryl alkenes in high yield and enantiomeric excess (ee) in short reaction time. Also, disclosed herein is “one-pot” asymmetric synthesis of biologically important natural compounds having 3-substituted chiral phthalide structural framework in the molecule.
US09073885B2	Vitamin D3 lactone derivatives A compound represented by the following Formula (1) that is effective for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone or hypercalcemia or a medically acceptable solvate thereof; [wherein R1 refers to hydrogen atom, C1-C6 alkyl group optionally substituted with hydrogen group or C1-C6 alkoxy group optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, R2a and R2b refer to hydrogen atom, C1-C10 alkyl group optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, C6-C10 aryl group optionally substituted with hydroxyl group or C7-C12 aralkyl group optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, or are combined to represent ethylene group. However, a compound in which R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R2a and R2b are hydrogen atoms is excluded].
US09073884B2	Anti-inflammatory and quorum sensing inhibition compounds and methods of making and using them The invention provides novel compositions based on a structure designated as “Honaucin A”, including Honaucin A variants and analogs, and pharmaceutical compositions, liposomes and nanoparticles comprising them, and methods of making and using them. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used to ameliorate (including to treat or prevent) inflammation. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used to ameliorate (including to treat or prevent) inflammation. In one embodiment, these Honaucin A compounds, and variants and analogs thereof are used as bacterial quorumsensing inhibitors. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments the compositions of the invention are used as anti-bacterial agents.
US09073880B2	2-(2-phenylethenyl) 1,3-benzodiazepine derivatives useful for the treatment of cancer The present invention provides compounds of formula (1) acting as protein kinase (PK) and receptor kinase (RK) signaling modulators. The invention further provides methods of their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions, especially as anti-cancer agents for preventions and treatments of PK- and RK-related disorders, in particular cancer. (I) wherein A is H or CN; Z is S, SO or S02; X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from H, halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl and OR1; and Y3 and Y4 are each OR1, wherein each R1 is independently H, C1-C4 alkyl, acyl, —(CH2CH20)n wherein n is an integer of 1 to 20, or a functional group that gives rise to hydroxyl upon hydrolysis.
US09073876B2	Flap modulators The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), or a form thereof, wherein ring A, R1, L and R2 are as defined herein, useful as FLAP modulators. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I). Methods of making and using the compounds of Formula (I) are also within the scope of the invention.
US09073875B2	Compounds useful as inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). The invention also relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of this invention; methods of treating of various diseases, disorders, and conditions using the compounds of this invention; processes for preparing the compounds of this invention; intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of this invention; and methods of using the compounds in in vitro applications. The compounds of this invention have formula I-A: wherein the variables are as defined herein.
US09073856B2	Phenyl methanesulfonamide derivatives useful as MGAT-2 inhibitors The present invention provides compounds of Formula I or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, where the variables for R1, R2, and R3 are as described herein; methods of treating a condition such as hypertriglyceridemia; and processes for preparing the compounds.
US09073855B2	BCL-2 selective apoptosis-inducing agents for the treatment of cancer and immune diseases Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL proteins, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which are expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein.
US09073851B2	Compositions and methods for treating cancer Provided herein are methods and compositions inter alia for treating diseases, including hyperproliferative diseases, migraine headaches, and depression.
US09073846B2	Integrated process for the production of acrylic acids and acrylates A process for producing a crude product stream including an acrylate product and an alkylenating agent and separating at least a portion of the crude product stream to form alkylenating agent and intermediate product streams. The alkylenating agent stream comprises at least 1 wt % alkylenating agent and the intermediate product stream comprises acrylate products in high concentration. The crude product stream is formed by contacting acetic acid and formaldehyde in the presence of at least one aldol condensation catalyst under conditions effective to form the stream. Catalysts which are particularly useful are multielement oxide active materials of the general formula V1PbFecX1dX2eOn.
US09073843B2	Process for producing acetic acid A process for producing acetic acid by: a reaction step for continuously allowing methanol to react with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a metal catalyst, an ionic iodide, and methyl iodide in a carbonylation reactor, a flash distillation step for continuously feeding a flasher with a reaction mixture from the reactor and evaporating a volatile component at least containing product acetic acid, methyl acetate, and methyl iodide by flash distillation to separate the volatile component and a liquid catalyst mixture at least containing the metal catalyst and the ionic iodide, and an acetic acid collection step for separating a stream containing acetic acid from the volatile component to collect acetic acid; wherein, in the flash distillation step, the flash distillation is conducted under the condition that the concentration of methyl acetate in the liquid catalyst mixture is not less than 0.6% by weight.
US09073839B2	Process for the preparation of substituted phenylpropanones The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) wherein the substituents are defined as in claim 1, which process comprises adding a compound of formula (II), wherein R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings as described under formula (I), in the presence of an inert organic solvent, to a mixture comprising an organic nitrite of formula (III) R4-O—N═O, wherein R4 is C1-C8alkyl, a compound of formula (IV), and an inert organic solvent.
US09073836B2	Process for preparing allyl alcohol alkoxylates A process for preparing polyether alcohols by reacting one or more unsaturated starters having at least one active hydrogen atom per molecule with one or more alkylene oxides in the liquid phase in the presence of a basic catalyst in a reactor, wherein the one or more alkylene oxides are introduced into the reactor in such a way that the concentration of unreacted alkylene oxide in the liquid reaction mixture in the reactor is increased as far as possible with increasing degree of addition of the alkylene oxide onto the starter, with the proviso that the temperature at the end of a runaway reaction is at any point in time at least 100 K below the onset temperature of the decomposition reaction of the liquid reaction mixture, is proposed.
US09073835B2	N-acylthiourea and N-acylurea inhibitors of the Hedgehog protein signalling pathway The present invention relates to the use of acylthiourea or acylurea derivatives for the treatment of pathologies involving a tissue dysfunction associated with a deregulation of the Hedgehog protein signalling pathway, and also to novel acylthiourea or acylurea derivatives as such, to their use as a medicinal product, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US09073832B2	Class II HMG-COA reductase inhibitors and methods of use Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating bacterial infections.
US09073831B2	Process to purify dialkyl sulfides The invention relates to new processes to prepare low odor dialkyl sulfides, the low odor dialkyl sulfides obtainable by these processes and to methods of using these low odor dialkyl sulfides. Moreover, the invention relates to a process to prepare dialkyl sulfide borane complexes of high purity, the dialkyl sulfide borane complexes obtainable by this process and to a process for enantioselective reductions employing these dialkyl sulfide borane complexes of high purity as reducing agent.
US09073826B2	Process for preparing and purifying salts of acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid A process for preparing salts of acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (A) using the steps of: preparing a solution of a contaminated salt of acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid (A) in an anhydrous organic solvent (L) using at least one basic component (B) selected from the group of alkali metal oxides, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides and amines of the formula (I) NRaRbRc (I) where the Ra, Rb and Rc radicals are each independently: hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, hydroxy-C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-alkoxy, where the molar ratio of compound (A) to the basic component (B) is 1:1 to 1:3, recovering the dissolved salt of compound (A) by crystallization or by precipitation, by altering the temperature and/or the pressure and/or the concentration of the salt in the solution. This leads to salts which are low in by-products and are particularly suitable for polymerization.
US09073825B2	Methods and intermediates for preparing macrolactams A first aspect of the present invention describes a compound selected from group consisting of: wherein R is either H, C(O)RA, or C(O)NHCH(X)COOH; provided that X is a C2-C6 alkyl, or a C3-C8 cycloalkyl and RA is a C1-6 alkyl or aryl; These compounds are used to make Compound A
US09073824B2	Method for cultivation of Monarda fistulosa for production of thymoquinone A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosa for production of thymoquinone includes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. The heavy rate of planting produces plants bearing oil without weed contamination and reduces herbicide use due to production of natural herbicides by the monarda plants. Seeding and mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter reduce costs. The method results in increased production of essential oils including thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone at levels up to about 5% of recovered oils, and which may be distilled from the plant.
US09073819B2	Compositions, methods of use, and methods of treatment Embodiments of the present disclosure provide compositions including ketamine analogs, salts, and disalts, pharmaceutical compositions including ketamine analogs, salts, or disalts, methods of treatment of a condition or disease, methods of treatment using compositions or pharmaceutical compositions, and the like.
US09073816B2	Reducing ethyl acetate concentration in recycle streams for ethanol production processes Recycle streams in an ethanol production process are hydrolyzed to reduce ethyl acetate concentration. In the process, acetic acid is hydrogenated to form a crude ethanol product, which undergoes a separation or purification process. Ethyl acetate is formed as a byproduct of the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The hydrolysis of recycle steams from the separation process can reduce the concentration of ethyl acetate, converting some or all of the ethyl acetate to acetic acid and ethanol.
US09073814B2	Process for heat integration for ethanol production and purification process Ethanol production from the hydrogenation of acetic acid requires energy to drive the hydrogenation reaction and the purification of the crude ethanol product. Heat integration process to recover heat from one part of the production process to be used within the process improves efficiencies and reduces costs.
US09073812B2	Organic compound There is provided a novel organic compound represented by following general formula [I]and that has an excellent luminescent hue and that can produce high efficiency, high-intensity, and long-life light output, and an organic light-emitting device containing the novel organic compound, wherein X1 to X3 independently denote a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group.
US09073811B2	Process for providing aromatics from coal tar A process for providing aromatics from a coal tar stream. A coal tar stream is provided, and the coal tar stream is fractionated into at least a naphtha range stream. The naphtha range stream is hydrotreated, and the hydrotreated naphtha range stream is separated to provide at least a naphthene rich stream. The naphthene rich stream is reformed or dehydrogenated to convert the naphthene. The dehydrogenated naphthene rich stream may be combined with a portion of a reformed crude oil hydrocarbon stream.
US09073810B2	Catalyst systems for the catalytic oligomerization of olefinic monomers The present invention relates to a ligand and its use in a catalyst for the oligomerization of olefinic monomers, the ligand having the general formula (VI); (R9)(R10)P—N(R3)—P(R4) (VI) wherein: the R9 and R10 groups are independently selected from optionally substituted alkyl or heteroalkyl groups; the R3 group is selected from hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, a heterohydrocarbyl group, a substituted heterohydrocarbyl group, a silyl group or derivative thereof; the R4 group is an optionally substituted alkylenedioxy, alkylenedimercapto or alkylenediamino structure which is bound to the phosphorus atom through the two oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atoms of the alkylenedioxy, alkylenedimercapto or alkylenediamino structure or an optionally substituted arylenedioxy, arylenedimercapto or arylenediamino structure which is bound to the phosphorus atom through the two oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atoms of the arylenedioxy, arylenedimercapto or arylenediamino structure.
US09073807B2	Hydrogenation of aromatics and other unsaturated organic compounds The present invention relates to supported Ni-catalysts optionally comprising Zn as a promoter, methods for the production of said catalysts and uses of said catalysts for the hydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feed.
US09073800B1	Insensitive high energy crystaline explosives An insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder, usable as a booster HE. The subject insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder being manufactured by adding the crystalline high explosive, and a polymer or wax based binder to a solvent to form a solution, spray drying the solution to drive off the solvent, thereby co-precipitating the HE and binder to form granules in which the crystals of HE are uniformly distributed in the binder.
US09073798B1	Plant fertilizer compositions and related methods The present invention relates to plant fertilizer compositions and methods that may be used over the growth and blooming or fruiting stage of plant life. In some aspects, the present invention relates to blending plant fertilizer constituents and more particularly, the present invention relates to tailoring the ratio of nutrients in a fertilizer composition by colorizing fertilizer constituents according to their nutrient content and mixing the colorized fertilizers until the resultant color matches a reference color associated with a desired fertilizer composition. In other aspects, the present invention relates to plant fertilizers that avoid the unavailability of calcium due to precipitation, and in additional aspects, dual-component plant fertilizers and related kits and methods are provided that permit admixing of only two fertilizer concentrates while avoiding deleterious precipitation of reactive moieties.
US09073795B2	Method for mitigating solid precipitation in fertilizer dispensing system A method for applying an agricultural fertilizer to a field through an irrigation system connected to a source of hard water, includes providing a fertilizer composition comprising a mixture of (i) a fertilizer component comprising an ammonium phosphate or an ammonium sulfate, and (ii) an acid comprising one or more of a phosphoric acid, a citric acid, a malic acid, a formic acid, and an oxalic acid; combining the fertilizer composition with hard water from the hard water source and providing the mixture to an irrigation system; and using the irrigation system to apply the mixture of fertilizer composition and hard water to the field.
US09073794B2	Increasing the grade values of plant nutrients Methods of increasing grade values of plant nutrients and compositions produced from said methods. A plant nutrient is combined with a colloidal micelle, the later having a particle sized between approximately 1 to 500 nm. This mixture is subjected to colloidal milling until it reaches a temperature of at least approximately 65° F. or milling is carried out above atmospheric pressure. In one instance, water is added to the mixture prior to milling, the results of which are spray dried forming a powder having increased plant nutrient values. In a second embodiment, the milled mixture is added to water for application to an agricultural product.
US09073793B2	Slurry compositions for making environmental barrier coatings and environmental barrier coatings comprising the same Slurry compositions for making an environmental barrier coating including from about 9 wt % to about 81 wt % water; from about 3 wt % to about 72 wt % primary material; and from about 0.1 wt % to about 18 wt % slurry sintering aid, and environmental barrier coatings including such compositions.
US09073791B2	Method of forming a silicon carbide body A method of forming a ceramic article includes providing a ceramic body comprising silicon carbide, and treating the ceramic body in an atmosphere comprising an oxidizing material to remove a portion of the ceramic body through a chemical reaction between a portion of the ceramic body and the oxidizing material.
US09073788B2	Ceramic paints and protective coatings Disclosed is a ceramic paint, including a mixture of a silica sol-gel, 20 to 60 parts by weight of filler, and 1 to 50 parts by weight of a fluorine-containing polymer, wherein the silica sol-gel is formed by reacting 100 parts by weight of silica sol, 50 to 100 parts by weight of organic silane, and 0.3 to 1 parts by weight of a catalyst.
US09073784B2	Calcium sulfoaluminate cement with ternesite The present invention relates to a ternesite calcium sulfoaluminate clinker as well as a ternesite clinker containing 20 to 100% by weight of C5S2$ and less than 15% by weight of C4A3$, as well as the use of ternesite as an additive to calcium sulfoaluminate (ferrite) (belite) (CSA(F)(B)) clinker, calcium sulfoaluminate (ferrite) (belite) cement, and calcium sulfoaluminate (ferrite) (belite) binder containing 10 to 90% by weight of CSA(F)(B) and 90 to 10% by weight of ternesite.
US09073780B2	Raw material for producing basalt fibers The invention relates to a raw material charge for a melt for producing continuous mineral fibers, containing 30% to 70% basalt and/or diabase, 8% to 40% quartz components, in particular quartz sand, and 5% to 30% slag, in particular blast furnace slag, the use thereof and a method of producing continuous mineral fibers from a melt, the melt being formed from raw material comprising 30% to 70% basalt and/or diabase, 8% to 40% quartz components, in particular quartz sand, and 5% to 30% slag, in particular blast furnace slag.
US09073777B2	Method and apparatus for cutting a substrate A substrate cutting apparatus for cutting a large size substrate into smaller unit substrates includes a rotating table and a push plate. The rotating table, on which the large size substrate having formed thereon a plurality of cutting lines is mountable, includes rotating shafts at locations corresponding to the cutting lines. The push plate fixes a position of the large size substrate on the rotating table.
US09073776B2	Device for continuously processing vacuum glass member The present invention discloses a device for continuously processing vacuum glass member. The device comprises a loading table, front-end auxiliary vacuum chambers, a main vacuum chamber, a back-end auxiliary vacuum chambers and a unloading table sequentially along the advancing direction of the glass; the device also comprises a glass plate conveying mechanism and an electric control system; the glass plate conveying mechanism is used for conveying glass plates in the processing device; the vacuum chambers are independent from one another and are provided with a vacuum obtaining system and a vacuum detection device respectively, the vacuum degrees of the front-end auxiliary vacuum chambers and the back-end auxiliary vacuum chambers are equal to or lower than the vacuum degree of the main vacuum chamber, and the two auxiliary vacuum chambers provide a transition vacuum space at the front and rear ends of the main vacuum chamber respectively; a plate combining device and a sealing device are arranged in the main vacuum chamber, the two devices can perform plate combining and sealing operations on the glass plates in the main vacuum chamber; and the electric control system is used for performing the system control for a vacuum sealing process and an equipment operation flow.
US09073767B2	Water supply with a bidirectional UV disinfection device A water disinfection system includes a water disinfection device, having a UV light generator for the UV treatment of water, and a water pipe, having a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion and a third pipe portion which branches off between the first and the second pipe portion. The water disinfection device includes a first water connection and a second water connection. The first water connection is connected to the first pipe portion. The second water connection is connectable to a water reservoir which is to be provided. The second pipe portion is connectable to a water source which is to be attached. The third pipe portion is connectable to a tap for water, so as to be able in this way to provide an improvement in the water quality.
US09073765B2	Method to remove organic pollutants through coupling microwave degradation based on microporous mineral adsorption This invention discloses a kind of method to remove organic pollutants through coupling microwave degradation based on microporous mineral adsorption. It consists of the following major steps: Fill hydrophobic porous mineral adsorbent into the adsorption column to adsorb organic pollutants in the organic wastewater, and start up the microwave generator after the adsorbent reaches saturation so that the organic pollutants adsorbed inside the adsorption column can be degraded under microwave induction. With the alternative operation and regeneration of two adsorption columns, the organic wastewater can be treated continuously. In the invention, with the technologies of microwave-induced degradation through hydrophobic microporous mineral coupling adsorption, organic pollutants can be removed from water efficiently, and the degradation process and carrier can be circulated. The pollutants can be mineralized into non-toxic and harmless micromolecular substance completely.
US09073764B2	Low concentration wastewater treatment system and process A low concentration wastewater treatment system is provided that includes a high flux adsorbent material treatment system integrated with a low flux adsorbent material biological regeneration reactor. The high flux adsorbent material treatment system includes one or more unit operations for mixing low concentration wastewater with adsorbent material that is fresh, recycled, or a combination of both, and for decanting a liquid effluent having a reduced level of contaminants. The adsorbent material with adsorbed contaminants is regenerated in a low flux adsorbent material biological regeneration reactor in which a biological reaction occurs, such as biological oxidation, wherein organic contaminants in the wastewater are metabolized generally into carbon dioxide and water. Excess biomass is removed from the adsorbent material, and the thus-regenerated adsorbent material is recycled to the high flux adsorbent material treatment system.
US09073763B2	Method for high efficiency reverse osmosis operation A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.
US09073760B2	Manufacturing method and manufacturing device for multiple oxide A method for manufacturing a multiple oxide includes: a solution preparing step of adding to iron and steel pickling waste liquid, a lithium compound soluble in acidic aqueous solution and an oxoanion raw-material compound to prepare a mixed solution; a roasting step of introducing the mixed solution into a roasting furnace to roast the mixed solution; and a collecting step of collecting the multiple oxide obtained in the roasting step.
US09073759B2	Silica aerogels and their preparation Silica aerogels with improved properties are disclosed together with methods for synthesizing such aerogels. The improved properties include lower thermal conductivity (better insulating capacity), lower acoustic velocity, lower dielectric constant and improved ductility. Greater tunability of the refractive index can also be achieved. The silica aerogels are prepared by a sol-gel processing method that provides better control of the formation of aerogel structures. Generally speaking, the improvements arise from control of the synthesis to create a morphology of primary clusters and diverse-sized secondary clusters of dense silica aerogels separated by less densely packed regions. By providing a broader range of secondary clusters and/or pore sizes and loose connectivity between clusters, reductions can be achieved in thermal conductivity and flexural modulus.
US09073754B2	Systems, methods, and compositions involving chlorine dioxide and zeolite Certain exemplary embodiments can provide one or more systems, machines, devices, manufactures, compositions of matter, and/or methods for, activities that can comprise, creating a composition comprising chlorine dioxide adsorbed in a zeolite, and/or releasing at least a portion of the chlorine dioxide from the composition, the released chlorine dioxide potentially useful for disinfection, decolorization, mildew control, and/or odor control.
US09073753B2	Method for making hydrophilic carbon nanotube film A method for making a hydrophilic carbon nanotube film is provided. A reactor, an oxidative acid solution disposed in the reactor, and at least one primary carbon nanotube film are provided. The primary carbon nanotube film is set in the reactor disposed apart from the oxidative acid solution. The oxidative acid solution is then volatilized to form oxidative acid gas and the reactor is filled with the oxidative acid gas.
US09073745B2	MEMS pressure sensor and manufacturing method therefor A Micro Electromechanical System (MEMS) pressure sensor may include a first substrate provided with a sensitive diaphragm of a capacitive pressure sensing unit, an electrical connecting layer and a first bonding layer on a surface of the first substrate; and a second substrate provided with an inter-conductor dielectric layer, a conductor connecting layer in the inter-conductor dielectric layer and/or a second bonding layer on a surface of the second substrate. The second substrate is arranged opposite to the first substrate, and the second substrate is fixedly coupled to the first substrate via the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer; a pattern of the first bonding layer is corresponding to a pattern of the second bonding layer, and both the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer are formed of a conductive material.
US09073742B2	Tap for fluids and valve for use in said tap The invention relates to a tap (8) for fluids, in particular carbonated liquids, such as beer or soft drink, comprising a tap body (14), a valve (9) removably accommodated in the tap body (14), and a handle (20) for opening and closing the tap (8). The valve (9) comprises a first part (22) coupled or to be coupled to the tap body (14) and a second part (27) connected to the first part (22) and operatively coupled or to be coupled to the handle (20), the first and second parts (22, 27) being rotatable and/or translatable relative to each other between at least an open position and a closed position. A protective cap (34) prevents the valve (9) from being closed. The cap (34) is removable only after installation of the valve (9) in the tap body (14).
US09073740B2	Filling valve The invention discloses a valve including a valve body with a valve inlet and a valve outlet. The valve body is joined to a bellows between the valve inlet and the valve outlet, the bellows having an annular side wall formed in a concertina formation with inner and outer corners wherein the side wall has a non-constant thickness along its length, the side wall being thicker at the outer corners and thinner at the inner corners. The bellows further has an annular mounting base for attachment to the valve body. The valve body has an annular flange from which extends an upstanding collar, wherein the mounting base is clamped between the valve body and the collar. The mounting base has a width being wider than a gap formed between the valve body and the collar so that the mounting base is compressed when clamped between the valve body and the collar.
US09073739B2	Controller for restricting movement of a load handling apparatus A controller for use with a machine comprising a machine body, and a load handling apparatus coupled to the machine body and moveable by a movement actuator with respect to the machine body, the controller being configured to receive a signal representative of the position of the load handling apparatus with respect to the machine body and a signal representative of a moment of tilt of the machine, wherein the controller is further configured to issue a signal for use by an element of the machine including the movement actuator, which in response to the signal issued by the controller, is configured to restrict or substantially prevent a movement of the load handling apparatus when a value of the signal representative of the moment of tilt reaches a threshold value, the threshold value being dependent on the signal representative of the position of the load handling apparatus with respect to the machine body.
US09073728B2	Automatic winding device for filamentous material and automatic winding method An automatic winding device for a filamentous material which is an automatic winding device for a filamentous material that winds a plurality of provided filamentous materials simultaneously onto a plurality of bobbins; and an automatic winding method utilizing the automatic winding device are provided. The automatic winding device includes a plurality of spindles for winding bobbins and a guide roll. The number of the plurality of spindles is 1-1.75 times the number of thread handling routes.
US09073720B2	Arrangement for driving a flat substrate in a packaging production machine An arrangement (11) for driving a flat substrate along a longitudinal direction, the arrangement being mounted in a packaging production machine. The substrate has a surface that has sustained at least one modification. The arrangement includes a device (9) for driving the substrate along the longitudinal direction, and a device for bearing the substrate against the driving device (9), and having at least one bearing zone (23) facing toward the driving device (9). The substrate is engaged and driven between the driving device (9) and the bearing device. The bearing zone (23) has a transverse dimension (D) and position (Y), chosen as a function of a transverse dimension and a position of the modification on the substrate, so as to prevent damaging the modification between the driving device (9) and the bearing device.
US09073719B2	Tape connecting apparatus A tape connecting apparatus for connecting a brass buckle to remaining and unused tapes, includes a support base, a platform, a support pillar, and a clamp device including a tape connecting base and a tape connecting clamp. The platform is disposed on the support base. The support pillar rotatably stands on the platform. The tape connecting base is detachably disposed at a top end of the support pillar. The tape connecting clamp has upper and lower handles respectively pivoted to the tape connecting base. The upper handle has a clamp head and is pivoted to the lower handle. When the brass buckle, the remaining tape and the unused tape are positioned on the tape connecting base, the upper and lower handles are rotated relatively to drive the clamp head to press the brass buckle, so that the unused tape could be connected to the remaining tape via the brass buckle.
US09073716B2	Method for feeding a supply station of a packaging unit with a new reel of sheet packaging material, sheet packaging material holder and lift truck A method for feeding a supply station of a packaging unit with a new reel of sheet packaging material comprises releasably connecting a sheet packaging material holder to a support structure; coupling an end portion of new reel with holder connected, in turn, to support structure; carrying out on end portion at least an operation, which is preliminary for joining of end portion to a first edge of a terminated reel previously connected to packaging unit; moving new reel together with holder from support structure towards supply station; and releasably connecting a fixed part of supply station to holder together with new reel.
US09073713B2	Transport device, transport method, image forming apparatus, and image forming method for sheet transport control using sheet length A transport device includes a transport unit that transports a paper sheet, a cutter unit that cuts the paper sheet, and a controller that, when transport of the paper sheet in the vicinity of the cutter unit is to be halted, controls the transport unit so that the transport unit transports the paper sheet by a longer travel when a specified length of the paper sheet is shorter than a threshold length than when the specified length of the paper sheet is longer than the threshold length.
US09073712B2	Medium cassette and recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a medium cassette provided with a medium accommodation tray that has a medium accommodation unit for accommodating a medium which is transported to a recording unit, and a paper discharge tray that is disposed on the upper side of the medium accommodation tray and that receives a medium on which recording has been performed at the recording unit. The paper discharge tray has a cutout formed from an end portion of the paper discharge tray which is on a feed-out side in a transport direction of the medium accommodation unit, and the cutout exposes the medium accommodation unit.
US09073709B2	Palletising device A palletizing device including a lower surface which restingly receives a pallet, and an upper platform which is provided with a variably-configurable first support, cyclically between a closed configuration in which the first support supports a layer of products and an open configuration in which the layer of products is released downwardly; an intermediate platform between the lower surface and the upper platform, which move between a raised position and a lowered position and vice versa, comprising a variably-configurable second support which, maintain the second support in a closed configuration, thus forming a stack, and which release the stack of products towards the underlying lower surface in an open configuration.
US09073706B2	Energy-efficient and reliable operation of a vacuum waste collection system Vacuum waste collection system is provided (1a) by successively selecting a number of branches in a sequence for emptying and transport of waste, wherein the intersection (1, 2, 3, 4) of each next branch in the sequence is at the same o shorter transport distance to a central waste collection point (6) compared to the intersection (1, 2, 3, 4) of the previous branch in the sequence, and collectively transporting accumulated waste from the selected branches towards the central waste collection point (6) by successively operating the air inlet valves (av1, av2, av3, av4, av5) of the corresponding branches. For each selected branch except the last branch, accumulated waste is transported towards the central collection point (6) by causing the corresponding air inlet valve (av1, av2, av3, av4, av5) to be open until it is detected by detector means (WO) in the transport pipe system that the waste has been transported past an intersection (1, 2, 3, 4) to the next branch, and then changing to the next branch For the last branch, accumulated waste is transported to the central waste collection point (6).
US09073703B2	Apparatus and methods for dynamically controlling the spacing of conveyed objects A conveying system employs independently controlled flights. The flights are controlled separately from a conveying surface. The conveying system includes a dynamic gapping conveyor for spacing conveyed objects in a selected manner. The dynamic gapping conveyor uses flexible flights independently driven by drivers to control the spacing between conveyed objects. The independent drivers allow the position of the flights to be controlled based on the length of a conveyed object.
US09073702B2	Feeding device The invention relates to a feeding device for transporting products, wherein the products are provided to the feeding device in groups. The feeding device comprises at least one first and one second conveyor belts which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of transport, wherein a first group of products can be transferred from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt. According to the invention, the conveyor belts can be accelerated such that a gap between the groups can be reduced to improve the production flow.
US09073699B2	Powder conveying device and image forming apparatus A powder conveying device includes a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, a conveying member, a powder pulverizing member, and a protective member. The first conveying unit has a lower end. The second conveying unit has one end connected to the lower end. The conveying member is disposed in the second conveying unit and includes a shaft member and a protruding portion formed around the shaft member, and conveys the powder. The powder pulverizing member is disposed in the first conveying unit so as to be able to oscillate. The protective member is attached to the powder pulverizing member and makes contact with the protruding portion of the conveying member. A contact state between the protective member and the protruding portion changes according to a rotation angle of the conveying member, and the protective member and the powder pulverizing member oscillate due to changes in the contact state.
US09073695B2	Asymmetric article handling and orientation An asymmetric article-carrying puck is driven by a linear star conveyor through an angular rotation orienting section to orient the pucks and articles therein irrespective of random initial orientation. In one embodiment, an upper puck plate carries the article while a separated lower puck plate defines a rotational orienting circular gear rack with a rotation-stopping bridge, separating ends of the rack and inclined from a base of one end tooth in the rack to a crest of another end tooth in the rack. The lower puck plate can be a combination of two circular plates with the circular gear rack interposed therebetween and within the periphery of the circular plates. Pucks can be accumulated in mutual engaged positions and separated by the linear star into preselected pitch while transported and turned. Integral pucks can be used. The structural details and methods are disclosed.
US09073693B2	Distribution chute for a charging device A distribution chute for a charging device, a charging device having the same, and a methods for mounting and dismounting such chute, the chute including an upstream mounting head and a chute body, at least two lateral suspensions on the mounting head for mounting the chute to two corresponding support flanges pivotable about a pivoting axis for raising an outlet to a charging position and for lowering the outlet to a charging position, where the suspensions define a first and a second tilt point about which a weight of the chute exerts torque onto the support flanges of the charging device when the chute is mounted to the charging device, where the ratio of the distance between each of the tilt points and the pivoting axis to the distance between the first and second tilt points amounts to 0.25 at most, the suspensions being arranged so that an oriented acute angle from the longitudinal axis to a plane through the tilt points and the center of gravity has an angular measure in the range from −5° to 15°.
US09073690B1	Apparatus and method for treating dump truck beds An integrated spray-treating system within the bed of a dump truck to allow for complete internal coverage of such a bed as well as that of a movable cover present thereon is provided. Such a system includes at least rotatable spray nozzle device that permits spray coverage of the entirety of the bed as well as the cover. Additionally, the system comprises a pressure component incorporated with a standard hydraulic component of such a truck as well as a suitable controller configured for the driver to operate the system from within the chassis. The system may be provided as an add-on to an already-existing truck or included within a typical truck manufacturing process. The overall operation thus permits the driver/operator the capability of coating the bed surface to prevent undesirable asphalt or other material build-up, caking, and the like, therein.
US09073689B2	Microwave energy interactive insulating structure A microwave energy interactive structure for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a plurality of layers including a layer of microwave energy interactive material and a substantially continuous tie layer. The tie layer includes a thermoplastic material. Upon sufficient exposure to microwave energy, the tie layer softens and allows the adjacent layers to separate from one another to define a void between the respective layers.
US09073686B2	Separator-shock absorber for transportable loads A separator-shock absorber to avoid that charges which are going to be transported by land, by sea or by air collide and damage the loads collision to each other and damage the loads, and including: a retention base; a retention element near to a first end of the retention base; a separator-shock absorber member having a first articulated end and a second end to be coupled to the retention base; a retention element at the second end of the separator-shock absorber member, cooperating with the retention element of the first end of the retention base, in order to regulate the width of the separator-shock absorber member when it is articulated, to be coupled to the retention element of the retention base.
US09073684B2	Method and apparatus for non-linear dispensing of specific items on demand A method and apparatus for secure, rapid, storage and dispensing of varied items from a random location in a storage matrix. Drawers are organized in a ‘slice’ or vertically-oriented frame that supports horizontal shifting of the drawers to dispense their contents. Slices can be combined to form matrices of automated, high-density, storage volumes and storage can coincide with dispensing.
US09073683B2	Carton with article protection flap A carton for containing at least one article. The carton comprises a plurality of panels at least partially forming an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel. The carton comprises an article protection flap foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The article protection flap is moveable between a first position that is substantially parallel to the top panel and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the top panel. The at least one access feature in the top panel is for positioning the article protection flap from the first position to the second position.
US09073680B2	Carton with article protection features A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least one side panel. The carton further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The plurality of end flaps are configured to close an end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps comprise at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The carton further comprises an article protection feature foldably connected to the at least one side end flap and moveable between a first position that is substantially parallel to the side end flap and a second position wherein the article protection feature is folded relative to the at least one side end flap.
US09073678B2	Cold cohesive packaging system using tear resistant tape According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cold cohesive packaging system using tear resistant tape includes a top sheet having an interior surface and at least one top cohesive region defined on the interior surface; a bottom sheet having a bottom interior surface and at least one bottom cohesive region defined on the bottom interior surface; at least one strip embedded in the top sheet or the bottom sheet, the at least one strip being resistant to tearing; and a cohesive, wherein the cohesive is applied in liquid form and adheres as a film to the at least one top cohesive region and the at least one bottom cohesive region, where the cohesive is capable of permanently bonding the top sheet to the bottom sheet when a pressure is applied, and wherein the cohesive comprises a latex-based cohesive with a viscosity of no more than 450 centipoise.
US09073673B2	Closure for an inverted container A closure (30) is provided for a container (32). In one particular embodiment, the closure (30) has a base (34) and a lid (36). The base (34) defines a recess (70) having a dispensing orifice (74). On either side of the recess (70), the base (34) has a rim portion (80) that defines a support surface (82). The front region of the base (34) has a sloping front surface (72). The lid (36) has a rear end connected with a connecting structure (40) to the closure base (34), and has a front end with a lid finger lift surface (86). When the lid (36) is closed, the front end of the lid (36) is located rearwardly of at least the lower end of the base sloping front surface (72), a major portion of the lid (36) is located between the base rim portions (80), and the lid (36) is located below the support surface (82) of each rim portion (80).
US09073670B2	Refrigerator having vegetable storage container This specification relates to a vegetable storage container for a refrigerator, and more particularly, a sealing structure of a vegetable storage container for a refrigerator capable of sealing an inside of an accommodation space of a vegetable box simply by using a lever after closing the accommodation space with a cover. This specification provides a refrigerator with a vegetable storage container, which includes a vegetable box having a front part and a main body both forming an accommodation space therein as a storage space for vegetables, the vegetable box being installed to be drawn out of the refrigerator, a vegetable box cover horizontally installed on the accommodation space to selectively cover an upper opening of the vegetable box, and a pressing unit to seal the accommodation space after the accommodation space of the vegetable box is closed by the vegetable box cover.
US09073664B2	Container with end sealing flaps The present invention is directed to a container comprises a bottom wall, opposite sidewalls, and opposite end walls all of which foldably joined to one another to form an interior space to receive products therein. A respective first and second top wall panels is foldably joined to respective longitudinal edges of the opposite sidewalls. A first pair of end sealing flaps each of which is foldably joined to respective lateral edge of the first top wall panel. A second pair of end sealing flaps each of which is foldably joined to respective lateral edge of the second top wall panel and wherein the first and second top wall panels is capable of being partially overlapped to cover the interior space without each of the respective end sealing flaps being substantially overlapped with one another when the container is enclosed with the product.
US09073661B2	Polygonal container and blank for making the same A blank of sheet material for forming a container is provided. The blank includes a series of four generally rectangular panels connected along a plurality of substantially parallel fold lines. The panels include a first spaced-apart pair of panels and a second spaced-apart pair of panels. Each of the second spaced-apart pair of panels is connected to at least one panel of the first spaced-apart pair of panels. The blank also includes a corner panel extending from each side edge of each panel of the first pair of panels, and a lateral flap extending from each side edge of each panel of the second pair of panels, wherein each lateral flap has free side edges.
US09073658B2	Carton with reinforced handle A carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprise at least a first top panel, a second top panel, at least one side panel, and a bottom panel. The first top panel and the second top panel are at least partially overlapped. At least one of the first top panel and the second top panel comprise a main portion foldably connected to the at least one side panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the main portion. The main portion has a first handle portion and the distal portion has a second handle portion. The distal portion has an exterior surface at least partially in face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the main portion. The carton further comprises a handle comprising at least the first handle portion and the second handle portion.
US09073653B2	Wrapping method and unit for folding a sheet of wrapping material about a group of cigarettes A method and unit for folding a sheet of wrapping material about a group of cigarettes includes feeding the cigarettes and wrapping material into a pocket of a wrapping conveyor so the sheet of wrapping material folds into a U inside the pocket and has an outer end projecting from the pocket, and an inner end resting on a lateral wall of the cigarettes. The method also includes folding the inner end 90° so the inner end is perpendicular to the lateral wall. The method also includes folding the outer end into an L inside the pocket, onto the lateral wall of the cigarettes and onto the inner end perpendicular to the lateral wall so as to superimpose the outer end and the inner end and impart a tubular shape to the sheet of wrapping material. The method also includes heat sealing the outer and inner ends together.
US09073649B2	Finger grip for a flangeless container A finger grip for a flangeless container, the finger grip having a skirt removably attachable to an open end portion of the container and a lip that extends radially outwardly from the skirt. The flangeless container is fillable by capping the container using a cap element to attach the finger grip to the container; installing the container in a container support assembly including a tray having a plurality of wells; filling the container; inserting a piston into the container; and removing the finger grip. Each well has a depth less than a predetermined length of the container, a lower portion of each well having a first cross-sectional shape similar to but greater than the cross-sectional shape of the flangeless container, an upper portion of each well having a second cross-sectional shape similar to but greater than the first cross-sectional shape.
US09073647B2	Space shuttle orbiter and return system A launch system comprises a nose section comprising a nose coupling surface, a tail section comprising a tail coupling surface facing the nose coupling surface and a mast coupling the nose and tail sections. The mast is configured to expand and retract to displace the nose and tail sections within a range of distances from one another. In a retracted state, the nose and tail sections are either structurally coupled to one another at the nose and tail coupling surfaces or structurally coupled to at least one integrated module located between the nose and the tail sections.
US09073643B2	Monitoring of high-lift systems for aircraft Monitoring of high-lift systems for aircraft. In one configuration, a method for monitoring a high-lift system includes monitoring a first current draw of a first drive station of the high-lift system, and monitoring a second current draw of a second drive station of the high-lift system. The method further includes comparing the first current draw and the second current draw to determine if a differential between the first current draw and the second current draw exceeds a threshold, and generating a failure signal if the differential between the first current draw and the second current draw exceeds the threshold.
US09073641B2	Aircraft interior lavatory A lavatory for an aircraft cabin includes a wall having a forward wall portion disposed immediately aft of and substantially conforming to an exterior aft surface of an aircraft cabin structure, such as a passenger seat, that is substantially not flat in a vertical plane. The forward wall portion includes a forward projection over an aft portion of the adjacent passenger seat. The forward wall portion can define a secondary space in the interior lavatory space, which can provide an amenity stowage space, and can include design elements providing visual space.
US09073640B2	Disposition zone in an aircraft passenger cabin The invention pertains to an aircraft with at least one passenger cabin that comprises at least one door entry area for the passengers and for the flight attendants that is visually separated from the passenger cabin and referred to as a space unit. Variable or mobile elements assigned to at least one partition wall/one monument of the space element can be arranged in the space unit that can be used as a disposition zone during the flight phase in order to realize working areas or service and/or comfort facilities for passengers or for the flight attendants.
US09073638B2	Lift for an aircraft, aircraft segment with a corresponding lift and method for stowing freight items in an aircraft The present invention concerns a lift for an aircraft. This is used to store freight items and/or transport these between a cargo hold and a passenger cabin. The lift comprises at least one receiver compartment, in particular a lift cabin, to receive a freight item, in particular a suitcase and/or a bag; at least one first opening and at least one second opening for loading and/or unloading the lift, wherein the first opening opens into a passenger cabin and the second opening into a cargo hold; and at least one guide ring in relation to which the receiver compartment is arranged mobile such that the receiver compartment is displaceable along the guide ring in a rotation movement about a rotation axis.
US09073636B2	Rotor damper and tail rotor with such a rotor damper A rotor damper for a tail rotor of a helicopter. A main body of a resilient material is to be arranged between a drive shaft for the tail rotor and a hub on which rotor blades for the tail rotor are coupled. A flange is connected to the main body of the rotor damper. The flange includes an abutment surface for abutting an outer surface of the hub. A tail rotor including the rotor damper.
US09073632B2	Aerodyne including motorized undercarriages The aerodyne, e.g. an airplane, includes: an auxiliary power unit suitable for producing electricity; a first electricity distributor connected to the unit; at least one flight propulsion engine including an electricity generator; at least one undercarriage motor, the motor enabling the aerodyne to taxi; and a second electricity distributor connected to the generator and to the undercarriage motor in order to transmit electricity from the generator to the motor independently of the first distributor.
US09073628B2	Fluidic micro-generator of synthetic jets Generator (1) of synthetic jets (2) for a main flow of fluid, comprising a cavity (10) delimited by a fixed wall (13) and a mobile wall. The fixed wall comprises a sleeve (8) and a head (4) provided with an orifice (14) through which the generated jet of fluid (2) is drawn in from and ejected into the main flow of fluid. The mobile wall is opposite the head. The generator comprises a rigid piston (3) including the mobile wall and sliding in a fluid-tight manner in the sleeve (8), and comprises an actuator mechanically linked with the piston and able to drive the piston with an alternating movement having an amplitude and a frequency. The actuator is capable of providing a movement of variable amplitude and frequency, at least the amplitude being variable during the movement. The actuator comprises a mechanism for the mechanical amplification of displacement.
US09073626B2	Actuating blades of an unducted fan An actuator device for actuating a swivel-mounted member carried by a rotor of a propulsion engine including: at least one electricity source; an electric actuator for swiveling the swivel-mounted member; a power supply circuit connecting the electricity source to the actuator; and an inertial device connected to the power supply circuit, the inertial device configured to convert electrical energy coming from the power supply circuit into mechanical energy, to store the mechanical energy, and to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy for the power supply circuit.
US09073625B1	Helicopter rotor yoke A helicopter rotor yoke includes a composite laminate having a plurality of plies of fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix includes a toughened polymer at one of a location or zone that experiences high strain levels during use of the rotor yoke.
US09073622B2	Intermediate acoustic skin and the implementation thereof A septum includes two septum plates and the edges of the septum plates are brought into contact at one of the junction edges of the septum plates. In particular, an angle (α) between one of the junction edges of the septum plates and one of the sides of the septum plates adjacent to the one of the junction edge is less than 90°.
US09073620B2	Fastening device for window A fastening assembly for a window of a pressurized fuselage of an aircraft includes a fastener received through a mounting hole defined in the window, an edge attachment member fixing the window to the fuselage, and a bushing assembly embedded in the mounting hole. The bushing assembly includes an inner sleeve bushing radially interposed between the fastener and the window and an outer sleeve bushing radially interposed between the inner sleeve bushing and the window. The inner sleeve bushing is formed from relatively less rigid metal compared with metal of the fastener and the outer sleeve bushing is formed from relatively rigid metal compared with material of the window and the metal of the inner sleeve bushing.
US09073611B2	Recreational flotation device A recreational floatation device is disclosed. In one example, the recreational floatation device comprises a main body having a front portion and members extending substantially parallel from the front portion, a seat portion attached to the main body between the two parallel members and adjacent to the front portion, for receiving and supporting a user of the recreational flotation device in a seated portion, and a floating board removably attachable to said main body, when positioned between the parallel members.
US09073610B2	Turret device Disclosed is a turret device. The turret device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper turret installed in a vertical opening which penetrates a hull; and a lower turret which is coupled to the bottom of the upper turret and has a lower bearing assembly which supports the hull to allow rotation, wherein a lower bearing is arranged on the outer surface of the lower turret; and an independent sliding pad is coupled to the inner surface of the hull forming the vertical opening, and slidably contacts the lower bearing in the shape of a plate.
US09073607B2	Electric motor exchange The invention concerns a ship comprising at least one motor for driving the ship and at least one crane. To lift the motor at least one crane can be brought into engagement with the at least one motor through at least one closable opening. The invention further concerns a ship drive for driving a ship as well as a method of exchanging ship motors arranged within a ship for driving the ship together with peripheral devices. The invention further concerns the use of a wind power installation generator.
US09073600B2	Dual drive bicycle An independent shaft driven front wheel drive transmission (20) powers the front wheel of a velocipede by rotating a pair of coextensive handles (23 L R). Standard foot pedals power a rear shaft drive assembly (17) or a standard chain drive (FIG. 9). Forward rotation of the handles sets in motion the shaft driver assembly (10). The drive shaft (35) rotates and transfers energy to the multi-geared front hub assembly (14) that drives the front wheel forward. Triple tree brackets (73), position and support the front forks and steer tube. The steer tube (24) in combination with the triple tree brackets attaches the front wheel shaft drive system to the head tube of the velocipede. The modified front fork tube (53 R) houses the drive shaft (35) and bearings, (56 a b). The fork tube also has an attached modified drop out (77) that has clearance for rotatable bottom gear (51).
US09073595B2	Bicycle operating device A bicycle operating device comprises a mounting clamp and a restricting structure. The mounting clamp is configured to be mounted to a bicycle tube member. The mounting clamp comprises a first radius portion, a second radius portion, and a clamp opening. The first radius portion defines a first inner radius. The second radius portion defines a second inner radius different from the first inner radius. The bicycle tube member is to extend through the clamp opening. The clamp opening is defined by the first radius portion and the second radius portion. The restricting structure is provided on the second radius portion and is configured to restrict relative movement between the second radius portion and an adapter member at least in a circumferential direction of the second radius portion.
US09073593B1	Adjustable pneumatic bicycle saddle system The present invention relates to an adjustable pneumatic bicycle saddle (seat) system, and in particular to a system that can have standard, male and racing configurations. In one embodiment, the seat has a plate with a surface and two openings there through. The plate also has two screw holes. A bladder, shaped similarly to the plate, is also provided. The bladder has two side sections inflatable with a selected amount of air. The two sides are connected with crossovers, which are also inflated. Two webs are provided for receiving screws to connect the bladder to the plate. A depression with a hose fitting is further provided between the two sides. A cover perforated with many holes is further provided. A pump with a plunger, main valve and release valve can be used to inflate and deflate the bladder in real time as the user is riding the cycle.
US09073590B2	Trailer A trailer is presented. First and second axles are provided, each of the first and second axles being configured to couple to at least two wheels. A chassis is connected to the first and second axles, and a hitch is connected to the chassis. A lift system engaging structure is connected to the chassis of the trailer. The lift system engaging structure is configured to releasably engage a lifting component of a lift system. The lift system is configured to raise the lifting component to position the trailer in a stowed position.
US09073589B2	Pin joint component with improved wear surfaces The present disclosure is directed to a pin joint component for a pin joint assembly that has improved wear surfaces, especially for those portions of the pin joint component surface that interface thrust rings, lips, and other adjacent wear components. The pin joint component comprises a first treated region that is formed by removing material from the wear surface of the pin joint component and replaced with clad material. Prior to this operation, a second treated region is formed by removing material from a section of the pin joint component distinct from the first treated region and performing a nitriding process thereon.
US09073585B2	Light weight electric vehicle A light weight collapsible electric vehicle includes a seat, a flexible and supportive frame connected to the seat, a rear axle connected to a rear of the frame, a front cross member connected to a front of the frame, a front wheel connected to the front cross member, a rear wheel connected to the rear axle, the front cross member includes a pair of foot pedals which are operably connected to a power source and drive motors which are connected to two or more of the wheels, wherein actuation of the foot pedals in a predetermined manner causes rotation of one or more wheels and wherein the foot pedals provide steering control.
US09073579B1	Vehicle roof for water management A vehicle roof panel for channeling fluid includes a raised formation at a centerline of the vehicle, and a plurality of primary troughs disposed laterally on either side of the raised formation. Each of the primary troughs defines a base surface that is recessed below a global runoff curvature of the roof. The roof panel also includes a secondary trough positioned laterally outboard of the primary troughs that defines a base surface that is substantially aligned with the global runoff curvature.
US09073578B2	Vehicle underbody structure A vehicle underbody structure capable of maintaining coupling between a brace and a floor frame against a load transmitted from the front side through the brace is provided, even without making a mechanical strength of a coupling portion between the brace and the floor frames particularly high. A brace is provided with a front-side coupling member and a rear-side coupling member, and the front-side coupling member and the rear-side coupling member are connected together by a load transmission section that is substantially M-shaped in plan view. The rear-side coupling member is connected to outside load transmission members of the load transmission section further to a left-right direction central side than a coupling portion of the rear-side coupling member to each floor frame. A load transmitted to the rear-side coupling member accordingly attempts to deform the rear-side coupling member about a rear end portion of the outside load transmission members.
US09073576B2	System and method for smooth steering override transition during automated lane centering Vehicle steering measurements of a vehicle may be measured. Expected vehicle steering measurements may be calculated, each calculated expected vehicle steering measurement corresponding to one of the measured vehicle steering measurements. At least one difference between one of the measured vehicle steering measurements and its corresponding calculated expected vehicle steering measurement may be calculated. A lower boundary and an upper boundary of at least one override transition zone, each of the override transition zones corresponding to one of the measured vehicle steering measurements and its corresponding calculated expected vehicle steering measurement, may be calculated. Steering control of the vehicle may be gradually transferred from an automatic vehicle control system to a driver of the vehicle over a predetermined period of time when one or more of the calculated differences lie between the calculated lower boundary and the calculated upper boundary of the corresponding override transition zone.
US09073574B2	Autonomous vehicle with reconfigurable interior A vehicle includes a steering wheel located in a passenger compartment. The steering wheel is configured to be moved from an operational position to a stowed position. In the event of a collision, a first airbag is configured to deploy when the steering wheel is in the operational position and a second airbag is configured to deploy when the steering wheel is in the stowed position.
US09073571B2	Handle A lower spoke cored bar of a spoke cored bar constituting a spoke portion couples one end portion of a first coupling portion to a rim cored bar. The lower spoke cored bar couples one end portion of a second coupling portion to a boss cored bar. The lower spoke cored bar is provided with a vertical wall portion which couples a bending-shaped first bent portion to the other end portion of the first coupling portion, and which couples a second bent portion in a bending form to the other end portion of the second coupling portion. The rim cored bar is provided with a deformation allowing portion capable of deforming. The vertical wall portion and deformation allowing portions are arranged substantially on the same line.
US09073570B2	Armature for a steering wheel and method of making In an embodiment, a steering wheel can comprise: a plastic top armature portion comprising a top rim portion and a top spoke portion, the top spoke portion extending radially inward from the top rim portion; and a plastic bottom armature portion comprising a hub, a bottom rim portion, and a bottom spoke portion, the bottom spoke portion extending radially inward to the hub. The top armature portion can be attached to the bottom armature portion with a plurality of snap mechanisms, wherein each snap mechanism comprises a snap fit protrusion that engages an aperture. The armature can be configured to attach to a vehicle steering column.
US09073567B2	Steering apparatus for an automobile Construction is achieved wherein the front-end section of an outer column 18a can be assembled in the rear-end section of a housing 11a that houses an electric power steering apparatus 10a from below. At least the front-end section of the outer column 18a is formed into a U shape that is open on the top end. A connection and fastening section 36 that can be inserted inside the front-end section of the outer column 18a through an opening on the top end of the front-end section is provided on the rear-end section of the housing 11a. After the connection and fastening section 36 has been inserted inside the front-end section of the outer column 18a through the opening at the top end of the front-end section, fastening nuts 40 are screwed onto the tip end sections of fastening bolts 39 that are inserted in the left-right direction through portions near the top ends of the connection and fasting section 36 and the front-end section of the outer column 18a, and by tightening the nuts 40, the connection and fastening section 36 and front-end section of the outer column 18a are connected and fastened together.
US09073566B2	Road surface friction coefficient estimating device A road surface friction coefficient estimating device includes a means which finds a first estimated value Mnsp_estm of an external force to be compared (S102 to S116, S118-2), a means which finds a second estimated value Mnsp_sens (S118-1), and a plurality of increasing/decreasing manipulated variable determining means 34_k, each of which determines the increasing/decreasing manipulated variable Δμ_k of the friction coefficient estimated value on the basis of the first estimated value Mnsp_estm and the second estimated value Mnsp_sens, and updates the friction coefficient estimated value according to Δμ_k. The increasing/decreasing manipulated variable determining means 34—1 and 34—2 determine Δμ—1 and Δμ—2 according to a deviation in filtering value between the first estimated value and the second estimated value, and the increasing/decreasing manipulated variable determining means 34—3 determines Δμ—1 according to the deviation between the first estimated value and the second estimated value.
US09073564B2	Collapsible wagon and method of collapsing a wagon A collapsible wagon comprises a frame, four wheels, a pliable liner, and a telescoping tow handle. The frame has four sides that are each formed by a respective scissor-bar assembly. The frame also has a vertically oriented telescoping pole assembly at the intersection of each pair of the scissor-bar assemblies. The frame is configured such that, as the wagon is altered from its expanded to its collapsed configuration, the scissor-bar assemblies and the telescoping pole assemblies increase in height and the scissor-bar assemblies decrease in width. Each of the four wheels is attached to a bottom end portion of a respective one of the telescoping pole assemblies. The pliable liner is connected to the frame and defines an open-top interior compartment of the wagon when the wagon is in its expanded configuration. The telescoping tow handle is adjustable between collapsed and expanded configurations.
US09073549B2	Vehicle control apparatus Provided is a vehicle control apparatus that can improve a gasoline mileage without imparting the sense of discomfort to a driver. When an ECU determines that the brake is turned ON during an N inertia travel control (“YES” in step S11), the ECU stores a current position and a current vehicle speed in a learning DB (Step 12). Next, the ECU matches a data of the current position and the vehicle speed similar to the data of the current position and the vehicle speed stored this time, with reference to the information associated with a section inclusive of the current position (Step S13). Thereafter, when the ECU determines that there are equal to or more than a predetermined number of similar cases (“YES” in step S14), the ECU sets the section referenced in the step S13 as an N inertia travel prohibition section.
US09073548B2	Vehicle-mounted radar apparatus A vehicle-mounted radar apparatus for transmitting radar waves toward the outside of a vehicle mounting the apparatus thereon and receiving the radar waves reflected from an object to thereby acquire information about the object. In the apparatus, a target detection unit transmits and receives the radar waves to detect positions of targets. An object position determination unit determines a position of the object reflecting the radar waves on the basis of the positions of the targets. A representative target selection unit selects a representative target from the targets. A same-object target selection unit selects targets belonging to the same object as the representative target. A large-vehicle determination unit determines whether or not the object is a large vehicle on the basis of a number of targets selected by the same-object target selection unit and reflection wave received powers for the respective targets.
US09073546B2	Hybrid vehicle driving system A hybrid vehicle driving system 1 of the invention includes a cylinder deactivated operation necessity determination unit for determining the necessity of a cylinder deactivated operation of an engine 6 when a required driving force required on a vehicle is smaller than a driving force of the engine 6 that runs in the cylinder deactivated operation. When the cylinder deactivated operation is determined to be unnecessary by the cylinder deactivated operation necessity determination unit, the vehicle can be driven in an EV driving by disengaging a first clutch 41 and a second clutch 42, whereas when the cylinder deactivated operation is determined to be necessary by the cylinder deactivated operation necessity determination unit, the engine 6 runs in the cylinder deactivated operation and at least one of the first clutch 42 and the second clutch 42 is engaged.
US09073545B2	Diesel engine steady state and transient hybrid optimization A method for selecting an engine operating point in a multi-mode powertrain system includes monitoring a desired axle torque based on an operator torque request and vehicle speed. For each available combustion mode of the diesel engine, engine torque and speed ranges are received and a plurality of fuel losses and a plurality of emissions losses are retrieved, each fuel and emissions loss corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of engine operating points within the engine torque and speed ranges. The respective fuel and emissions losses are compared at each of a plurality of potential engine operating points within the engine torque and speed ranges of the available combustion modes. A desired engine operating point within one of the available combustion modes is selected that corresponds to one of the potential engine operating points having a lowest power loss based on the compared respective fuel and emissions losses.
US09073543B2	Control device of vehicle drive device The present invention provides a control device of a vehicle drive device having an engine that is a drive power source for running, a manual transmission receiving power of the engine via a clutch, an electric motor acting as a drive power source for running disposed on the downstream side of the clutch, a release cylinder releasing the clutch depending on a supply oil pressure, and a master cylinder supplying an oil pressure to the release cylinder in accordance with a depressing operation of a clutch pedal, a shut valve being disposed that is put into a closed state to interrupt a hydraulic path between the release cylinder and the master cylinder, and the shut valve being closed if the clutch is released by the depressing operation of the clutch pedal during driving of the engine.
US09073542B2	Method for performing a boost operation of a hybrid vehicle A method for carrying out a boosting mode of a drive unit (3), having at least one internal combustion engine (1) and at least one electric machine (2), of a vehicle (10), in which, in order to prepare the boosting mode, the internal combustion engine (1) is adjusted to an operating state with an increased acceleration potential, and in order to charge an energy accumulator (4) the electric machine (2) is adjusted to a generator mode. When a power demand which is increased compared to the current operating state of the drive unit (3) is present, the charging process is interrupted and at the same time the electric machine (2) is activated in order to increase the driving power of the drive unit (3), wherein the increased acceleration potential which is kept in reserve by the internal combustion engine (1) is utilized.
US09073538B2	Two-speed electric drive module for electric and hybrid vehicles An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor, a first input member, a first output member and a two-speed module selectively drivingly interconnecting the first input member and the first output member at one of two different drive ratios. A reduction unit includes a second input member being driven by the first output member and has a second output member being driven at a reduced speed relative to the second input member. A differential assembly has an input driven by said second output member. A first differential output drives a first output shaft, and a second differential output drives a second output shaft.
US09073537B2	Control device and control method for continuously variable transmission A shift control device is mounted on a vehicle and provided with a shift control unit to control a speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission which continuously shifts and allows output of a rotational speed of a driving power source, wherein the shift control unit executes, based on a driving state of the vehicle, a first shift control for suppressing a change of the speed ratio and a second shift control for upshifting the speed ratio to a predetermined speed ratio, and suppresses a change of the speed ratio in the first shift control, followed by shifting the speed ratio to become lower before execution of the second shift control.
US09073536B2	Hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle for reducing a variation in accelerator position when an EV mode is switched to a HV mode is provided. A controller executes the following process during running in the EV mode. The controller sets an increase of the accelerator position from a first accelerator position to a switching accelerator position at which a switch to the HV mode is to be made as a first increase when an output of a motor has reached an output upper limit at the first accelerator position. The controller sets an increase of the accelerator position from a second accelerator position to the switching accelerator position as a second increase which is smaller than the first increase when the output of the motor has reached the output upper limit at the second accelerator position which is larger than the first accelerator position.
US09073535B2	Utility vehicle A utility vehicle is provided that includes first and second pairs of wheels, a controller, and a potentiometer. The first pair of wheels is propelled by an internal combustion engine. The second pair of wheels is propelled by a battery-operated motor. The motor drives a transaxle that drives the second pair of wheels. The controller controls operation of the motor. The potentiometer is configured to be manually activated to propel the utility vehicle, and is coupled to the controller to send a signal to the controller to rotate the motor. The potentiometer is also configured to activate fuel flow into the internal combustion engine.
US09073527B2	Smooth bore dynamic center seal for spring brake actuator A sealing assembly and method of manufacturing a sealing assembly for a spring brake actuator having a dynamic center seal for sealing a first surface to a second surface. The sealing assembly has dynamic sealing elements that seal in a smooth hole or bore, where the sealing element or element stack is retained in the hole or bore on each end by a bearing for the center pushrod or center tube.
US09073525B2	Brake apparatus brake control apparatus, and brake control method In a brake apparatus, an activation current for opening a simulator cut valve from a closed state is applied, whereupon a steady-state current is applied continuously to maintain the open state. A brake control apparatus and a brake control method are employed to perform control in which a valve opening current, which is higher than the steady-state current, is applied to the simulator cut valve every time a brake pedal is depressed. Thus, in a brake apparatus including a switch valve that is driven steadily by applying the steady-state current thereto, favorable control responsiveness can be maintained in the switch valve at all times while achieving a reduction in power consumption.
US09073524B2	Braking system and method for a towed vehicle A braking assistance system for a vehicle towed by a towing vehicle. The braking assistance system includes at least one sensor configured to be coupled to the towed vehicle and to detect information about at the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle, and an electronic control unit having a processor. The electronic control unit is in electronic communication with the sensor to receive information about the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle. The processor is configured to determine an electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, determine a deceleration of the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle based on the information from the at least one sensor, identify a brake assist situation, and initiate a brake control operation to control braking of the towed vehicle during the brake assist situation.
US09073522B2	Control element for a parking lock A parking lock control element has an actuator coupled to a parking lock pawl, and a retaining device which works with the actuator to secure the parking lock pawl in the disengaged position. The connecting device is characterized in that the retaining device has a blocking slide connected to the actuator, and a blocking actuator having a slider gap, the width of the slider gap being modified in an actuating manner, wherein the blocking slide can move into the slider gap—when the slider gap is open—releasing the actuator. The connecting device reduces structural complexity and related costs. At the same time, the control element is comparatively robust with respect to manufacturing tolerances, acceleration forces, vibrations, and temperature stress. With minimal auxiliary energy, high holding forces can be achieved to secure the parking lock pawl. An emergency unlocking actuation can also be integrated in a simple manner.
US09073521B2	Reservoir with vent A reservoir for storing and dispensing a fluid, the reservoir comprising a hollow vessel for holding a volume of fluid, an inlet port located on the hollow vessel for filling the reservoir with fluid, an outlet port located on the hollow vessel for dispensing the fluid, and a vent outlet located on the hollow vessel to permit venting during filling and dispensing operations. The vent outlet is provided in the form of a vent tube having a vent seal located at a base thereof. The vent seal allows for venting as required, while also serving as a flow restrictor to reduce the leakage of fluid from the vent tube in the event of sloshing within the reservoir.
US09073517B2	Transverse force-reducing support device A support device for a mobile lifting machine, in particular a vehicle crane, comprises a carrier support coupled to the vehicle chassis, a piston rod coupled to the carrier support and movable relative to the carrier support, and a support disc coupled to the piston rod, wherein the support device is configured such that it allows a movement of the support disc relative to the carrier support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the piston rod.
US09073515B1	System for removing snow from a roof of a vehicle A system for removing snow and ice from a roof of a vehicle includes a piece of heavy equipment having at least one arm capable of raising and lowering, and a rotating brush assembly coupled to the at least one arm of the piece of heavy equipment to remove snow and ice from the roof of the vehicle. The rotating brush assembly includes a rotating brush, and a frame including a first portion configured to secure the rotating brush, and a second portion coupled to the first portion and configured to be secured to an apparatus capable of raising and lowering the frame. The first portion of the frame is configured to orient the rotating brush at an angle with respect of a direction of travel of the vehicle. A method of removing snow from a roof of a vehicle is further disclosed.
US09073512B1	Gas generating system with gas generant cushion A gas generator contains a housing having a first end and a second end; a perforated first combustion chamber contained within the housing; a first gas generant contained within the first combustion chamber; a first gas generant cushion positioned between one of either the first end or the second end, and the first gas generant; and a booster chamber contained within the housing, the booster chamber extending through the first gas generant cushion to physically communicate with the second end of the housing. The gas generant cushion may have at least one concave cavity formed on one side of the cushion for providing an enhanced propellant cushion. A vehicle occupant protection system incorporating this gas generator is also contemplated in accordance with the present invention.
US09073511B2	Seatbelt device In a webbing take-up device, a housing portion configuring a recessed shape opening in a direction orthogonal to a fastening direction of a screw is formed to a body. A head portion of the screw is housed inside the housing portion, and the screw is inserted through an insertion portion in one side wall of the housing portion and fastened to the frame. A tool hole is formed in another side wall of the housing portion. A tool can accordingly be inserted through the tool hole to fasten the screw to the frame. The other side wall is formed with a fixing hole that fixes a spring cover, the fixing hole overlapping with the head portion as viewed along the screw fastening direction. A placement space of the screw and the fixing hole in the body as viewed along the screw fastening direction can accordingly be made small.
US09073509B2	Steering apparatus for a motor vehicle The steering apparatus includes a steering handle which is in the form of a greatly reduced, skeleton-like so-called horned steering wheel without a continuous steering wheel rim. The steering handle is fastened to an airbag module by fasteners that taper in a V-shape.
US09073506B2	Vehicle having a seat belt system A vehicle is provided that includes at least one vehicle seat, which has a backrest, the inclination of which can be adjusted, and a control device, by means of which the backrest can be controlled to a lying position having a greater angle of inclination at the request of a seat user. The control device has a signal connection to a monitoring device, which detects at least one belt parameter, by means of which it can be determined whether a flawless belt course of a safety belt being worn by a seat user is ensured in the lying position.
US09073498B2	Battery tray for vehicle Disclosed is a battery tray for holding and supporting a battery in a vehicle. The battery tray includes a reinforcement clamp and a fixing part. The reinforcement clamp is disposed on an outer surface and vertically extends from an undersurface of the tray to an upper surface of the tray along a side wall of the tray. Fixing parts are disposed on the upper surface and the undersurface of the tray to fix both upper and lower end portions of the reinforcement clamp.
US09073496B2	Hybrid bumper beam for vehicle, manufacturing method therefor and bumper beam unit thereof A hybrid bumper beam for a vehicle includes a beam body formed of a resin group material, and a reinforcement injection molded with the beam body as one unit in a state the reinforcement is inserted in the beam body in a length direction of the beam body and opposing ends of the reinforcement are exposed to an outside of the beam body for fastening to stays, respectively.
US09073491B2	Exterior rearview mirror assembly An exterior rearview mirror assembly suitable for a vehicle includes an attachment portion and a casing portion having a variable reflectance mirror reflective element. A mirror reflector is disposed at at least a portion of a surface of a rear substrate of the reflective element. The mirror reflector includes a stack of thin films having at least a first metal thin film and a second metal thin film. The first metal thin film is formed of a metal material that has a specific resistivity of less than about 1×10−3 ohm·cm and the second metal thin film is formed of a metal material that has a specific resistivity of less than about 1×10−3 ohm·cm. No part of the rear substrate extends beyond any part of a front substrate of the reflective element. An indicator is disposed rearward of the reflective element and, when actuated, illuminates through the reflective element.
US09073489B2	Safe attached to the hitch of a vehicle A safe is provided comprising a main box having a predetermined size, such that the safe may also be used as a step; a lockable flip lid pivotally connected to the inside of the main box; a top lid, pivotally connected to the upper edge of the main box such that it disguises the flip lid, and configured such that it is capable of being used as a step; and means for locking the safe to the hitch of a vehicle.
US09073488B1	Vehicle body structure A vehicle body structure includes a shelf and a removable member. The shelf is removably positioned in a shelf retention location between a first side wall structure and a second side wall structure within a vehicle cargo area. The shelf includes an upper surface having a first fastening structure and a lower surface having a second fastening structure. The removable member has a bar section and a fastener structure fixed to the bar section. The fastener structure is removably attachable to the first fastening structure or the second fastening structure such that with the fastener structure attached to the first fastening structure the bar section is positioned in a cargo movement restricting orientation along the upper surface of the shelf and with the fastener structure attached to the second fastening structure the removable member is in a stowed orientation adjacent to the lower surface of the shelf.
US09073482B2	Image display system, image processing apparatus, and image display method An image display system is configured to display an image. An obtaining unit is configured to obtain a surrounding image indicating surroundings of a vehicle. A plurality of detecting units are disposed on the vehicle at different positions and configured to detect an object existing around the vehicle, respectively. If one of the detecting units detects the object, the one of the detecting units is referred to as specific detecting unit. An overlapping unit is configured to overlap an indicator represented in the form of a frame with the surrounding image. The indicator indicates the object and the specific detecting unit which has detected the object. A display unit is configured to display the surrounding image with which the indicator is overlapped.
US09073470B2	Ergonomically improved delivery vehicle and method A method and system for providing cargo or product to an individual. The system may be a vehicle and include a plurality of bays, at least one of the plural bays having two rectangular frames, each frame having two horizontal members and two vertical members and each frame opposing and facing the other. The vehicle may also include a holding structure engaged by both of the rectangular frames, the structure comprising a plurality of trays wherein the structure is adaptable to provide vertical movement of the plural trays within the confines of the two rectangular frames. The vehicle may also include one or more mechanisms positioned between the lower horizontal members of the two rectangular frames, the one or more mechanisms adaptable to provide lateral movement within the confines of the two rectangular frames.
US09073469B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes a seat component member that has a frame member, a cushion material, and a support member arranged on the frame member. The support member includes a frame-shaped member having a polygonal shape that can be attached to the frame member, and a bag-shaped planar member that is attached to the frame-shaped member in a tensioned state to support the cushion material. The frame-shaped member can be accommodated in the bag-shaped planner member while at least one side of the frame-shaped member is at a contracted state. The frame-shaped member is maintained at an expanded state as the at least one side of the frame-shaped member is at a non-contracted state, such that the planner member is expanded from an inner side thereof and is maintained at the tensioned state.
US09073467B2	Vehicle seat and seat back board A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame that has a pair of side frames, and that forms a skeleton member of a seat back, a back board portion that is formed by a resin plate, and that is disposed at a back side of the seat back frame, and a back spring section that is at least partially formed of resin, and that is integral with the back board portion, and that spans between the pair of side frames so as to be directly supported, and that is formed so as to be able to flexurally deform in a load application direction due to load toward a seat back rear side being applied.
US09073458B2	Vehicle seat apparatus A locking mechanism of a seat for a vehicle, the seat including a seat back and a seat base, the locking mechanism including a recliner that reclines the seat back and locks the seat back in a position, the recliner and a memory ring being located on the axis, and when the memory ring is held relative to the recliner the seat back returns to an original position when the seat back travels in a forward direction from the original position past an upright position and then moves in a rearward direction back to the original position.
US09073454B2	Vehicle A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a first seat portion, a second seat portion, a third seat portion, a steering wheel, and a grab bar. The first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion are supported by the frame portion and are disposed side by side in this order in a width direction of the vehicle. The steering wheel is in front of the first seat portion. The grab bar is on a side closer to the third seat portion in the width direction of the vehicle when viewed from the steering wheel. The grab bar includes a first grip portion in front of the second seat portion.
US09073452B2	Latch apparatus A latch apparatus brings a latch which is accommodated rotationally movably in a case made up of a base plate and a cover plate into engagement with a striker which enters an entrance groove in the case. A fastening member which fastens the case to a mount member so as to move relative to the striker is provided within a range defined by projecting an area which has a radius centering at the striker onto the case, the radius being equal to a distance to an outermost position of the latch which is in engagement with the striker.
US09073449B2	Efficiency map generating apparatus, efficiency map generating method, and program An efficiency map generating apparatus (100) generates an efficiency map of motors (M) connected to drive wheels of a mobile body and includes an instructed torque detecting unit (111) that detects an instructed torque input for the multiple motors (M), a torque distributing unit (112) that distributes torque to each of the multiple motors (M) based on the instructed torque, a power consumption detecting unit (113) that detects power consumption of the motors (M), a rotation count detecting unit (103) that detects the rotation counts of the motors (M), and an efficiency map generating unit (114) that generates a motor efficiency map (115) based on the torque in multiple combinations, the power consumption, and the rotation counts, where the torque distributing unit (112) causes any of the multiple motors (M) to generate regenerative torque.
US09073444B2	Battery charging system for vehicle and battery charge controller in the same A battery charging system for a vehicle, capable of charging a vehicle battery pack properly in a short time even during driving a vehicle-mounted electrical load. The battery charging system includes the battery pack mounted in the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted electrical load that can be driven by a current from the battery pack, and a battery charge controller that controls charging of the battery pack. When the battery pack is charged by using an external battery charger during operation of the load, the battery charge controller requires the external battery charger to supply a sum current that is a sum of a current for charging the battery pack and a current for driving the load to the vehicle.
US09073441B2	Wire housing device, vehicle equipped with the same, and power feeding device In a cord reel capable of housing a power cord for transmitting electric power from an external power source to a vehicle that can be externally charged, pulling-out of the power cord wound around the cord reel from the cord reel is suppressed based on a temperature of the power cord. This can prevent a hot charging cord from exerting influence on the surroundings, such as breakage of equipment or the like which touches the hot charging cord.
US09073440B2	Systems, methods, and apparatus for a homopolar generator charger with integral rechargeable battery Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a homopolar generator charger with an integral rechargeable battery. A method is provided for converting rotational kinetic energy to electrical energy for charging one or more battery cells. The method can include rotating, by a shaft, a rotor in a magnetic flux field to generate current, wherein the rotor comprises an electrically conductive portion having an inner diameter conductive connection surface and an outer diameter conductive connection surface, and wherein a voltage potential is induced between the inner and outer diameter connection surfaces upon rotation in the magnetic flux field. The method can also include selectively coupling the generated current from the rotating rotor to terminals of the one or more battery cells.
US09073426B2	Power supply system for electric vehicle A power supply system for an electric vehicle includes a battery, a power line, a connector, a separating operation device, a switch device, a switching operation member, and an interlock member. The switch device is configured to interrupt an electrical connection between the battery and the connector. The switching operation member is configured to be operated by an operator to open the switch device to interrupt the electrical connection. The interlock member is movable from a first position to a second position if the switching operation member has been operated by the operator to open the switch device to interrupt the electrical connection. The interlock member is configured to prohibit, at the first position, the operator from operating the separating operation device. The interlock member is configured to allow, at the second position, the operator to operate the separating operation device.
US09073425B2	Wheel hub drive system A wheel hub drive system with an electric motor that can be arranged inside a wheel rim, whereby the electric motor is formed by rotor that is at least indirectly joined to a wheel hub and by means of a stationary stator that can be supplied with alternating current. With an eye towards obtaining more space for the vehicle occupants, it is proposed to arrange the converter with its entire power electronics unit on the stator so that the wheel hub drive system can be operated with direct current from the battery of the vehicle, or else no alternating current lines have to be laid in the vehicle. Consequently, the alternating current is generated by the converter that is arranged in a converter housing attached axially next to the stator.
US09073423B2	Steering and drive assembly A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises, in one embodiment, a steering assembly including a steering gear attached to a wheel housing and engaged with the steering power system, the steering gear being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly connected to the steering gear, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the steering gear. In an alternate embodiment, the steering assembly is connected to the wheel through a steering gear attached to a slewing ring that supports the drive assembly and is rotatable with the drive assembly.
US09073419B2	Wind deflector A wind deflector has a bearing base and a shiftable body that is shiftable relative to the bearing base between a first, extended position, in which the body is spaced apart from the bearing base and a second, placed-on position, in which the body is placed onto the bearing base. Two spaced apart links extend between the body and the bearing base. Each link has one end articulated to the body and a second end articulated to the bearing base. A push-push lock is provided for fixing at least one of the link and the body in the placed-on position of the body.
US09073411B2	Releasably mounted automotive windshield In at least one implementation, a releasably mounted windshield assembly for a vehicle having a passenger compartment includes a windshield and a control mechanism. The windshield has an inner surface defining part of the passenger compartment when the windshield is in a first position and the control mechanism is coupled at one end to the vehicle and at its other end to the windshield. The control mechanism includes a pivot that permits the windshield to move relative to the vehicle so that the inner surface of the of the windshield faces the vehicle when the windshield is in a second position.
US09073405B2	Apparatus and method for a telematics service A telematics service system and a terminal predict a driving start time of a vehicle based on a driving pattern of a user, compare status information of the vehicle and a set temperature before the predicted driving start time of the vehicle, and generate a temperature control signal so that an interior temperature of the vehicle reaches the set temperature. The terminal is fixed inside the vehicle. A vehicle electronic control device attached to the vehicle collects the status information of the vehicle, provides the collected information to the terminal device, and controls a temperature adjustment device of the vehicle in accordance with the temperature control signal of the terminal device to adjust the interior temperature of the vehicle to reach the set temperature.
US09073404B2	Snowmobile engine heat transfer system An engine heat transfer system for a snowmobile in which heated air at generated by an engine inside the snowmobile's engine compartment and delivered to a hole formed in the dashboard and re-directed to a desired area rearward of the dashboard towards the driver. A bracket is positioned over the hole in the dashboard that contains openings that re-directs the heated air.
US09073401B2	Vehicle suspension mounting system A vehicle suspension subsystem is provided having a leafspring that is mounted to a vehicle frame with a clevis type mounting bracket. An end of the leafspring includes an eyelet which receives a bushing, the bushing in turn receiving a pivot. The clevis type mounting bracket is mounted to the vehicle frame and consists of a metal plate fastened to an L-shaped casted bracket. The metal plate and L-shaped casted bracket have aligned apertures which define a pivot axis. With the pivot being located in the bushing and the bushing located in the eyelet of the leafspring, one end of the pivot is disposed in the aperture of the metal plate and the other end is disposed in the aperture of the L-shaped casted bracket, allowing the leafspring to rotate about the pivot axis.
US09073396B2	Anti-rattle device for receiver hitches and accessories An anti-rattle device is shown and described. The anti-rattle device may include a pin member configured for insertion into aligned apertures of a draw bar and receiver hitch, and a block member configured to be inserted into an interior cavity of the draw bar and to receive the pin member. The anti-rattle device may also include an engaging member engaged with the pin member outside of the draw bar and receiver hitch, where the engagement of the engaging member, the pin member and the block are operable to clamp the draw bar against the receiver hitch.
US09073394B1	Tire changing machine with force detection and control methods Tire changing machines including force and position sensors facilitating automated detection of wheel rim and tire features by a controller. Dimensional and location information for features of interest may be detected and recorded for use by the controller to perform tire change procedures. Positioning error and malfunctioning machine components, including feedback sensors, may also be detected in an automated manner.
US09073393B2	Method for detecting a tire module detached from the inner face of a tire for vehicles The invention relates to a method for monitoring and detecting the detachment of a tire module from the inner face of the tire, having the following steps: measuring the centrifugal acceleration on a tire module by an acceleration sensor arranged in the tire module; forwarding the measured acceleration values to an evaluation unit; analyzing the acceleration values upon acceleration of the vehicle in the starting phase or upon constant low speeds of the vehicle; activating a warning signal in the evaluation unit, insofar as the analysis of the acceleration values results in a statistically significant standard deviation in comparison to a not detached tire module from the inner face of another tire, thus detecting a freely tumbling tire module in the hollow space of the tire; outputting a warning signal indicating which tire module has detached from the inner face of the tire to the vehicle owner.
US09073392B2	Method of tread wear sensor installation in a tire A method of installing a tread wear sensor in a tire includes configuring multiple tread wear indicators to each include a stack of sacrificial resistive sensor elements. The stacks of resistive sensor elements are affixed to respective selected tread lugs positioned at dispersed axial locations across a tire tread region. The resistive sensor elements sacrificially abrade and a change in resistance in each stack is measured. Connector assemblies within the tire carcass cavity are positioned radially opposite the selected tread lugs. A needle projection from each of the connector assemblies is inserted radially outward through the tire carrying leads which engage and establish electrical contact with a respective stack of resistive sensor elements.
US09073389B2	All steel fabric radial construction for agricultural tires A pneumatic tire for agricultural equipment or forestry equipment includes a circumferential tread, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of bead portions. A steel reinforced radial carcass ply extends circumferentially about the tire. The carcass ply includes an axially inner portion and axially outer turn-up portions. First and second steel reinforced belts are disposed between the carcass ply and the circumferential tread. Axial ends of the belts are separated by belt wedges. The tire includes a pair of sidewall inserts. Each sidewall insert extends continuously from an upper end extending between the first belt and the carcass ply, through a sidewall region of the tire, to a lower end extending between the inner portion of the carcass ply and one of the turn-up portions of the carcass ply. A tie gum layer binds an inner liner to the carcass ply.
US09073388B2	Bicycle rim A bicycle includes a notch centrally defined therein and two support portions respectively formed on two opposite edges of the notch, wherein each support portion complementally corresponds to lateral nipples. The bottom of the notch is divided into a first inclined face and a second inclined face. Each inclined face has a series of first through holes equally and vertically defined therein such that each first through hole has an axis forming an angle with a corresponding one of the diameters of the bicycle rim, wherein the first through holes in the first inclined face are interlaced to that in the second inclined face.
US09073386B1	Movable paint tray A paint tray designed to be assembled into a board. Two wheels are attached to the underside of the board, enabling the tray and the board to be moved around on the floor. The tray is equipped with legs that are attached to the underside of the tray and serve to stabilize the tray and board on the floor. The tray is connected to the board by axial connections on both sides and by a spring at the front end. When force is exerted on the front end of the tray, the front tends downwards whilst the back end rises so that the legs detach from the floor, enabling the board and tray to move about on the floor.
US09073381B1	Wheeled compass A wheeled compass including a shaft having a first portion, including a first end, and a second portion, including a second end, a control rolling member having an adjustable radius, a drawing rolling member having a radius greater than the adjustable radius, the control rolling member and the drawing rolling member being co-axially arranged on the shaft, and a drawing arm coupled to the shaft, the drawing arm being adapted to hold a drawing instrument. The wheeled compass can include a motor, in communication with the control rolling member and the drawing rolling member, adapted to move the wheeled compass. The control rolling member can include a plurality of adjustable rods/adjustable arms. The control rolling member can also include a flexible member to adjust the radius of the control rolling member to correspond to the radius of the wanted circle. The control rolling member can also include a housing.
US09073380B2	Writing instrument with a movable ornament mounted thereon An amusement writing instrument with a mechanical toy consists of an elongated pen body having a seat mounted on an end, a toy housing said seat and a working piece passing through said seat. The working piece comprises of a rod, pluralities of driving elements driven by the rod and pluralities of resilient devices for providing reciprocal movement. The ornament composes of a frontal and rear casings and a decorating object is further attached to the seat. The working piece is driven as the user propels the cartridge to disengage the frontal casings from the rear casing, creating a slit for allowing the decorating object to be extended and exposed.
US09073376B2	Phenolsulfonic acid aryl ester, developing agent, and heat-sensitive recording material The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (1). The compound represented by the formula (1) is a developing agent superior in both color-developing sensitivity with low energy and image stability [in the following formula, wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group, R2 in the number of m are each independently an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxy group or an amino group, R3 in the number of n are each independently an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxy group or an amino group, and m and n are each independently an integer of 0-4.
US09073373B2	Control method of and control device for controlling liquid ejection head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A drive signal includes a first drive signal and a second drive signal. The first drive signal includes a prior pulse section including a first contraction element and a discharging pulse section including a first expansion element pulling in a meniscus and the second contraction element discharging a droplet of liquid from the nozzle orifice. The second drive signal includes the discharging pulse section and a vibration control pulse section including a second expansion element controlling a residual vibration of the meniscus. A piezoelectric element is driven with the first drive signal when viscosity of the liquid is equal to or more than a first set value and is driven with the second drive signal when the viscosity is equal to or less than a second set value.
US09073370B1	Printer A printer includes a printer body, a lid, a cutter, a fixed blade unit, and a movable blade unit. The printer body includes a print head, a recording paper holder in which recording paper is placed, and a metal member fixed to the recording paper holder. The lid is connected to the printer body so as to be opened and closed relative to the printer body. The cutter cuts the recording paper. The fixed blade unit is provided on the metal member of the printer body and includes a fixed blade of the cutter. The movable blade unit is provided on the lid and includes a movable blade of the cutter.
US09073369B2	Recording apparatus and method of manufacturing recorded matter A recording apparatus includes a tray having a set surface on which a recording medium is set; a recording section performing recording with respect to a region of the recorded matter, which is set on the set surface; and a pulling mechanism which applies a force from the set surface of the recorded matter to a protruding portion in a first direction and capable of pulling the portion of the recording medium, which is set on the set surface.
US09073366B1	Rotational printing head module having muti-cartridge The printing head module includes a bracket, a plurality of cartridges, a first piston, a pivot shaft, and a control unit. The bracket includes a plurality of through holes. The cartridges coaxially aligned with each other, each of the cartridges includes a leaning portion and contains the modeling material and a nozzle for extruding the modeling material. The leaning portion is leaning against the bracket when the cartridge is located at the printing position. The first piston is configured to slide along an extensional axis of the cartridge and drive the cartridge to move toward the printing position. The pivot shaft is connected to the bracket and adapted to rotate the cartridge to a working location. The control unit is coupled to the pivot shaft and the first piston for controlling the first piston and the rotation of the bracket.
US09073364B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus comprises a first conveyance guide which conveys a first printing medium inserted from an inserting port via a given printing position in a downstream direction, and conveys the first printing medium in an opposite direction to discharge it from the inserting port; a first printing section which carries out printing on the first printing medium at the printing position; a second printing section which is different from the first printing section in the printing method; and a second conveyance guide which merges with the first conveyance guide to discharge a second printing medium printed by the second printing section from the inserting port through the first conveyance guide; wherein the second printing section is supported to be capable of rotating in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the first printing medium so that one part constituting the second conveyance guide can be opened.
US09073362B2	Inkjet printer assembly using a gelling UV curable ink An inkjet printer assembly for printing an image on a recording medium comprises a medium support surface for supporting a recording medium; an inkjet print head for ejecting droplets of an UV-curable ink on the recording medium, the inkjet print head being arranged over the medium support surface; an UV radiation source for irradiating the droplets of UV-curable ink on the recording medium, the UV radiation source being arranged over the medium support surface; a covering arranged over the medium support surface, the covering and the medium support surface together enclosing a print space including the inkjet print head and the UV radiation source; and exhaust means, the exhaust means being configured to vent the print space. The covering comprises a window part arranged such to allow a view on the medium support surface, the window part being at least partially transparent for visible light and configured to filter UV radiation from the UV radiation source to an extent that no harmful amount of UV radiation passes through. Thus, an operator is enabled to view a print result directly as it is printed without being subjected to harmful radiation.
US09073359B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: a first head that discharges first light-curable ink; a light radiating unit that is positioned at one side from the first head in a predetermined direction and cures the first light-curable ink by radiating light to the first light-curable ink; a second head that is positioned at the one side from the light radiating unit in the predetermined direction and discharges second light-curable ink; and a control unit that causes an image to be formed on a medium by controlling the first head and the second head to discharge the light-curable ink while moving the position of the medium relative to the first head, the light radiating unit, and the second head to the one side in the predetermined direction.
US09073355B2	Recording apparatus with a blowing unit provided in a cover A recording apparatus includes: a transport path for transporting a recording medium; a cover that is capable of being opened and closed and that covers the transport path when the cover is in a closed state; and a blowing unit, provided in the cover, that is capable of blowing air toward the recording medium that is on the transport path when the cover is in a closed state and that retracts from the transport path when the cover is in an open state.
US09073353B2	Recording device A recording device includes a conveying part that conveys roll paper, a support part that supports the roll paper, a suction part that holds the roll paper to the support part by suction, a recording part that ejects liquid and records an image on the roll paper, a heating part that heats the support part to dry the liquid, and a controller that causes the suction part to use a first suction force to hold the roll paper to the support part by suction when the recording part performs a recording action for recording the image, and causes the suction part to use a second suction force, which is weaker than the first suction force, to hold the roll paper to the support part by suction when the recording part is not performing the recording action for recording the image.
US09073352B2	Recording device and method for controlling recording device In a printer, a continuous paper is conveyed using a suction force of a fan brought to a first suction force, the continuous paper supplied to a platen is stopped on a support surface, a recording process is conducted on the continuous paper stopped on the support surface with the suction force of the fan changed to a second suction force greater than the first suction force, and the continuous paper is conveyed after the suction force of the fan has been reduced below the second suction force back to the first suction force during the recording process.
US09073351B2	Medium processing apparatus A medium processing apparatus may include a medium conveying passage; a thermal head; a head holding part; and a moving mechanism structured to move the thermal head and the head holding part between a contact position and a retreated position. The head holding part may include a head holding member; a head support shaft structured to support the thermal head; and a pressing mechanism structured to press the thermal head toward the head holding member in the conveyance direction of the medium.
US09073350B2	Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus with scanning area of laser beam divided into plural areas in main scanning direction and variation of target correction amount for each area within a range of each area being mutually equal The optical scanning device includes a photoreceptor, a light source unit, a plurality of correction value storage units and a light quantity correction unit. The scanning position in the photoreceptor is divided into a plurality of areas. The target correction amount of the light quantity is predetermined so as to change according to the scanning position. The correction value storage unit stores the light quantity correction value that is associated with each of the areas. The light quantity correction unit corrects the light quantity during scanning by using the light quantity correction value corresponding to the scanning position. The length of each of the areas is shorter in an area in which the variation in the target correction amount per unit length is greater. The light quantity correction value is determined based on the target correction amount according to the area corresponding to the light quantity correction value.
US09073349B2	Marking apparatus The invention relates to a marking apparatus (100) for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers (10) and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam according to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the laser beams into a two-dimensional array of laser beams is provided, the set of deflection means (30) comprises at least one deflection means (33) per laser beam, in particular at least one mapping mirror (33) or one optical waveguide per laser beam.
US09073347B2	Hand-held radar device with direct printing based on radar input The disclosed technology includes a device and method of use for direct printing and ink or other marking, in conjunction with GPR techniques. In a most basic embodiment of the disclosed technology, a relevant date, time, filename, and other parameters are printed or otherwise physically exhibited on the measurement surface, so that RADAR files can be later attributed to a specific data collection site. In a more advanced embodiment of the disclosed technology, actual RADAR target information is printed, or otherwise physically exhibited, on the measurement surface, such as while measuring, or substantially while measuring, the surface and substrate beneath with GPR.
US09073345B2	Apparatus, system and method for controlling a print head The present invention is and includes a conversion circuit for allowing a printer controller to send a different set of control signals for dot history control to an integrated circuit driver other than those which the integrated circuit driver is designed to receive. The conversion circuit includes a plurality of driver circuits coupled to a plurality of strobe signals from at least one strobe signal generator, wherein each of the plurality of driver circuits comprises a plurality of gating groups respectively coupled to the plurality of strobe signals, wherein each of the plurality of gating groups includes a plurality of gate units respectively coupled to a plurality of heating elements wherein at least one gate unit controls at least one coupled heating element according to a corresponding strobe signal.
US09073344B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus of an embodiment includes a heating unit, first and second keeping units, and first and second transport units. The heating unit heats an image formed on a sheet. The first and second keeping units keep sheets. The first transport unit transports the sheet from the first keeping unit to the heating unit to form an image. The second transport unit transports the sheet from the second keeping unit to the heating unit by a transport distance shorter than a sheet transport distance of the first transport unit to erase the image.
US09073343B2	Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and non-transitory computer readable medium An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of nozzles that include a normal nozzle which is normal in ejection of liquid droplets and an abnormal nozzle which is abnormal in ejection of liquid droplets; a storage unit in which nozzle information capable of determining a non-ejection nozzle which does not eject liquid droplets at the time of image forming is stored to correspond to each of a plurality of different conditions; and a control unit that performs a control based on the nozzle information corresponding to at least one of the conditions related to the image forming such that liquid droplets are not ejected from the non-ejection nozzle, and performs a control based on the image information such that liquid droplets are ejected from the nozzles except the non-ejection nozzle among the plurality of nozzles.
US09073336B1	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid flow path connecting a liquid containing unit that contains a liquid to a liquid ejecting unit that ejects the liquid. The liquid flow path includes a supply flow path which connects the liquid containing unit to the liquid ejecting unit and a return flow path which connects the liquid ejecting unit to the liquid containing unit. When the liquid is not ejected by the liquid ejecting unit, the liquid contained in the liquid containing unit is circulated between the liquid containing unit and the liquid flow path by allowing the liquid to flow in order of the supply flow path, the liquid ejecting unit, and the return flow path. When the liquid is ejected, the liquid contained in the liquid containing unit is supplied to the common liquid chamber via both of the supply flow path and the return flow path.
US09073334B2	Liquid ejecting head module and liquid ejecting apparatus A unit head has an inlet section that introduces ink from a side of a sub-tank through a porous member. The sub-tank has a pressure control section corresponding to each unit head, individually, and has an outlet section that delivers the ink from the pressure control section through a porous member. The pressure control section has a valve and a film that is displaced in response to a pressure change. The film is provided in an upper surface of the sub-tank. A frame has an inlet-side connection section to which the outlet section of the sub-tank is connected, an outlet-side connection section to which the inlet section of the unit head is connected, and a communication flow path that communicates with both connection sections. Both of the connection sections include porous members, and supply and receive the ink by a surface contact of the porous members with each other.
US09073331B2	Fluid path structure and method of manufacturing the same A fluid path structure is manufactured by way of an aligning step of aligning a first resin part with a second resin part by inserting a projection formed on the first resin part into a corresponding hole formed in the second resin part and a welding step of welding joint surfaces of the first resin part and the second resin part, thereby forming a fluid path. The aligning step is executed so as to narrow the gap between the projection and the hole to a minimum at a base side of the projection relative to a half of the height of the hole and the welding step is executed only at the base side of the projection relative to the half of the height of the hole so as to make the lateral surface of the projection only partially contact with the lateral surface of the hole.
US09073329B2	Liquid droplet jetting apparatus There is provided a liquid droplet jetting apparatus, including: a liquid droplet jetting head in which a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of individual channels are formed; a purge mechanism; a judgment mechanism which judges whether or not a defective nozzle in which a jetting failure occurs is included in purge target nozzles; a heating mechanism which heats a liquid in the plurality of individual channels; and a controller which controls the purge mechanism and the heating mechanism. In a case that the judgment mechanism judges that the defective nozzle is included in the purge target nozzles, the controller controls the heating mechanism and the purge mechanism to heat the liquid in a part of the plurality of individual channels, which include an individual channel communicating with the defective nozzle, and to execute the purge operation for the purge target nozzles.
US09073328B2	Inkjet marking module and method for conditioning inkjet marking module An inkjet marking module includes an inkjet marking device adapted to jet droplets of an inkjet marking material to form an image on recording substrate; and an evaporation device arranged for evaporating a solvent to a gaseous medium. The evaporation device includes an aerosol generator for creating an aerosol of the solvent in the gaseous medium; and a droplet eliminator for removing droplets from the aerosol, the droplet eliminator being arranged downstream of the aerosol generator. A printing system includes such an inkjet marking module and a method is disclosed for controlling the relative degree of saturation of a solvent vapor in a gaseous medium in an inkjet marking module.
US09073327B1	Printhead cleaning system having an elongated member connected to a vacuum source A printer includes a printhead cleaning system that enables improved cleaning of the printhead and reduces nozzle contamination. The printer includes a pair of parallel walls and an elongated member extending through at least one of the walls. The elongated member is connected to a vacuum source and has a slit positioned between the pair of walls. A controller is operatively connected to the vacuum source and to an actuator, and operates the actuator to move a printhead into contact with the pair of walls to place a face plate of the printhead opposite the slit. The controller further operates the vacuum source to generate a vacuum in the elongated member to pull air into the elongated member when the printhead is opposite the slit.
US09073326B2	Inkjet printing apparatus and control method thereof An inkjet printing apparatus comprises a cleaning unit configured to perform a cleaning operation of moving at least one of a printhead and a wiper, and wiping an orifice face including an orifice array of the printhead by the wiper; a detection unit configured to detect relative positions of the printhead and the wiper during the cleaning operation; and a control unit configured to switch between first control of controlling a speed to be constant when the printhead and the wiper are moved, and second control of controlling a driving force to be constant when the printhead and the wiper are moved in accordance with the relative positions detected by the detection unit.
US09073325B2	Ink jet printing apparatus having low-noise compact pump tube capable of raising suction pressure An ink jet printing apparatus includes a first fixing member including a first coupling portion coupled to a cap-side end of a first pump tube and a second coupling portion coupled to a waste ink storage portion-side end of a second pump tube. The distance from a reference surface of a pump base to the first coupling portion is different from the distance from the reference surface of the pump base to the second coupling portion.
US09073321B1	Printhead layer design for compatibility with wet adhesive application processes The printhead can include a nonwebbed diaphragm layer, an aperture plate layer, and a first webbed layer and a second webbed layer interposed between the diaphragm layer and the aperture plate layer. The nonwebbed diaphragm layer can be configured to deflect and eject ink from the print head during printing. The aperture plate layer can include a plurality of nozzles from which ink is ejected during printing. Each of the first and second webbed layers can include a first surface having a first surface area and comprising a plurality of first openings, a second surface opposing the first surface and comprising a plurality of second openings, and a web comprising a portion of the first surface, a portion of the second surface and a plurality of holes extending between the plurality of first and second openings. The printhead can be formed, in part, of alternating webbed and adjacent nonwebbed layers.
US09073320B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus An ink jet type recording head includes a plurality of pressure generation chambers which are filled with ink, and piezoelectric elements which eject ink droplet through nozzle openings which are provided so as to correspond to each pressure generation chamber by applying pressure to the ink in each pressure generation chamber. The pressure generation chamber has a shape such that the piezoelectric element in the opposite side to a protrusion side in which at least a portion of the piezoelectric element protrudes out of the pressure generation chamber is deformed more easily than that in the protrusion side.
US09073312B2	Printing with multiple printhead dies A method and apparatus for printing is disclosed. The printing is done with multiple printhead dies. The nozzles in the different printhead dies are fired using different phases in an up-sampled encoder signal. The different phases correspond to a print offset between the different printhead dies.
US09073310B2	Printhead substrate, printhead, and printing apparatus A printing element substrate, comprising a plurality of printing elements which form a plurality of groups, a first generating unit configured to generate a threshold signal set for each of the plurality of groups and a ramp signal, based on an externally received digital signal, and second generating units, which are arranged in correspondence with the respective groups, configured to generate, based on the ramp signal and the threshold signal, enable signals for setting a period during which the printing element is driven.
US09073309B1	Apparatus and method for recording A recording apparatus includes a recording control unit and an adjusting unit. The recording control unit controls a recording head so that a plurality of alignment measuring patterns are recorded between recording areas of images at predetermined intervals with first and second nozzle arrays. The patterns are used to obtain information on the amount of misalignment between a position of recording with the first nozzle array and a position of recording with the second nozzle array. After the patterns are recorded, the images are recorded with the first and second nozzle arrays. In recording images after the recording of the patterns, the adjusting unit adjusts the relative recording positions of the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array on a basis of an amount of misalignment between the recording positions of the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array.
US09073306B2	Ink jet recording apparatus and printing method An ink jet recording apparatus includes a carriage movable in a main scanning direction and relatively movable with respect to a recording medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. An ink ejector is mounted on the carriage and includes a plurality of ink nozzles which are provided in the sub-scanning direction to eject ultraviolet-ray curable inks and which are arranged in a plurality of pass areas to record a plurality of bands. An ultraviolet-ray irradiator is mounted on the carriage to irradiate the recording medium with ultraviolet rays and includes a plurality of light sources to irradiate the plurality of bands with ultraviolet rays, respectively. A gas flowing device includes at least one of an air sucking device to suck air on the recording medium side and a blowing device to blow a gas toward the recording medium side.
US09073304B2	Conveying apparatus with an air-separated backing material A conveying apparatus for conveying an object, the object having at least a non-opaque portion, including a light source, an optical detector and a backing measurement apparatus, the light source for illuminating the object, the optical detector for acquiring information at least relating to at least one chromatic characteristic of the non-opaque portion, the backing measurement apparatus including a backing material, a backing support and a plurality of rollers, the backing material exhibiting at least one of determined chromatic characteristics and determined optical characteristics, the backing support for supporting the backing material, the plurality of rollers for rolling the backing material over the backing support, wherein light emitted by the light source optically interacts with the backing material consistently through the non-opaque portion.
US09073301B2	Screen printing machine having a screen position adjusting device A screen printing machine configured to move a squeegee by a squeegee moving device along a mask to print solder on a substrate through a through hole of the mask is improved in size and usability. A squeegee-device main body is fixed to a mask frame receiver for holding a mask frame, and a squeegee slide, a squeegee head, and a squeegee-slide driving device are provided on the main body. A position adjusting device including two front/rear-direction adjusting units, one right/left-direction adjusting unit, and one floating support unit is provided between a main body frame of the screen printing machine, and the mask frame receiver and the squeegee-device main body to adjust relative positions of the mask and the substrate by moving the mask frame receiver and the squeegee-device main body together with each other.
US09073299B2	Method and a spraying device for the repair of a sandwich plate A method for the repair of a sandwich plate having a core structure, a top surface layer and a bottom surface layer and a plurality of honeycomb-shaped cells includes providing at least one penetrating drill hole in at least one of the top surface layer and the bottom surface layer above one of the plurality of honeycomb-shaped cells in a damaged region of the sandwich plate, injecting a stabilising material into the honeycomb-shaped cell, and filling the damaged region with a filler material.
US09073298B2	Disposable bond gap control structures In certain embodiments, a bond gap control structure (BGCS) is placed outwardly from a substrate. The BGCS is configured to control a geometry of a bond line of a joining material. The joining material is deposited outwardly from the substrate. The substrate is bonded to another substrate with the joining material. The BGCS is at least partially removed from the substrate.
US09073295B2	Wood-plastic composites utilizing ionomer capstocks and methods of manufacture An extruded composite adapted for use as a building material includes a core having a base polymer and a natural fiber in a substantially homogeneous mixture and an ionomer capstock. To improve adherence of the ionomer to a base polymer, the ionomer can be mixed with a similar or substantially similar base polymer prior to coextrusion with the core. Additionally, various additives may be mixed with the capstock material to improve visual aesthetics of the product and performance of the building material, especially over time.
US09073286B2	Composite molded article and manufacturing method thereof A method for manufacturing a composite molded article including: preparing a main body member to which a through hole is formed to a peripheral wall by removing a protruding portion protruding from a face of the peripheral wall surrounding a hollow space in the main body member having the hollow space formed therein along the longitudinal direction; setting the main body member in an injection molding die; forming a cushion member molding cavity by the main body member and a molding die face formed inside the injection molding die in the longitudinal direction of the main body member and allowing the through hole to communicate with the cavity; and filling a heated and melted elastic polymer material injected from an injection gate into the cavity and the hollow space from the through hole, thereby forming a cushion member and a filling portion.
US09073282B2	Process for controlling the nip force/pressure between two rotating cylinders The present disclosure provides a process for monitoring and controlling the nip force between a fixed roll having a first longitudinal axis and a pivoting roll having a second longitudinal axis.
US09073279B2	Manual feed box erector and sealer A closure device including a closure assembly for closing the flaps of a box. The closure assembly includes a T-shaped structure having a first horizontal surface upon which a box can move during a closure process and a guide positioned on each side of the T-shaped structure, each guide being angled relative to the T-shaped structure and adapted to close the major flaps of the box as the box is moved proximally across the T-shaped structure. The horizontal portion can be positioned vertically higher than a support surface to allow a portion of the box to move therebetween. The closure device can further include a minor flap closure device for closing the minor flaps of the box prior to closing the major flaps of the box. The closure device can also include a sealing device, such as a taping head, for sealing the box closed.
US09073277B2	Method for controlling the discharge of fluids during a process for vulcanization and molding of a green tire and tire for vehicle wheels A method for controlling the discharge of fluids during a process for vulcanization and molding of a green tire includes the steps of: building at least one portion of a radially internal surface of a green tire by winding of a continuous elongated element of elastomeric material into a plurality of coils confining circumferential grooves along the rolling direction of the tire; disposing the circumferential grooves into fluid communication with discharge channels present in the radially external surface of a pressing bladder disposed in a radially internal cavity bounded by the green tire.
US09073276B2	Process and plant for building tyres for vehicle wheels Method, process and plant for building tires for vehicle wheels wherein: in a service position of a carcass structure building line, a forming drum is associated with a pair of support elements including a first support element and a second support element; the forming drum is moved, associated with the pair of support elements, in a deposition line in the carcass structure building line; and the forming drum is transferred from the deposition line to a subsequent work station of the carcass structure building line. The transfer from the deposition line to the subsequent work station includes dissociating the forming drum from the second support element, keeping the forming drum associated with the first support element; transferring the forming drum, associated with the first support element and dissociated from the second support element, to the subsequent work station; dissociating, in the subsequent work station, the first support element from the forming drum, leaving the forming drum in the subsequent work station; and transferring the first support element, dissociated from the forming drum, into the service position.
US09073275B2	Molding bench for curving mirrors Molding bench for curving mirrors comprising a sheet (1) supported on a frame by means of a joint system that prevents the sheet (1) from shifting and moving and to the lower part of which are fixed a series of air pipes (14) having a general air header pipe (3) connected to a vacuum pump. The sheet (1) consists of a square lattice the intersections of which have perforations that match up with a series of suction points of the air pipes (14), intended to produce a vacuum in the bench and which have been previously calibrated, such that said bench can be used to manufacture mirrors having any curvature.
US09073273B2	Method of manufacturing an oblong shell part and such shell part A plurality of fiber layers is stacked to form a fiber insertion extending in a longitudinal direction of the shell part to be manufactured, whereby a core element having a tapered edge section is arranged along the fiber insertion. The fiber layers are stacked so that the tapered edge section of the core element is wedged into the fiber insertion. The core element is composed by a first and a second core part that are arranged along each other. The first core part forms at least part of the tapered edge section of the core element. The surface of the first core part has a higher permeability to liquid polymer than that of the surface of the second core part so that, during infusion, liquid polymer penetrates the surface of the first core part more readily than it penetrates the surface of the second core part.
US09073267B1	Method of assembling panels and adhesively bonded joints used therein Panels are assembled using tab and slot joints. The panels are bonded together at the joints by injecting an adhesive through passageways in one of the panels into internal cavities formed between the tabs and the slots.
US09073266B2	Method and apparatus for laser welding thermoplastic resin members A method and apparatus for welding members formed of thermoplastic resin material, with high welding strength and small strength variations. A laser welding apparatus 1 brings a first member 2 formed of a transmissive thermoplastic resin that transmits a laser beam into contact with a second member 3 formed of an absorptive thermoplastic resin that absorbs the laser beam, and joins the thermoplastic resin members by melting their contact surfaces 4 with the laser beam. The laser welding apparatus 1 further comprises a laser beam generator 10 for irradiating the contact surfaces with the laser beam shone from the side of the first member 3 so as to melt at least one of the contact surfaces of the first member and the second member. The apparatus also comprises a clamp mechanism 20 for pressing the first member and the second member together, a temperature sensor 31 as an adjusting means for adjusting the pressing force applied to the first member and the second member, and a personal computer 32 for calculating the pressing force based on the output of the temperature sensor. The clamp mechanism is controlled with the calculated pressing force.
US09073265B2	Method for production of a three-dimensional body The invention concerns a method for production of a three-dimensional body by successively providing powder layers and fusing together of selected areas of said layers, which areas correspond to successive cross sections of the three-dimensional body, wherein the method comprises the following steps for at least one of said layers: applying the at least one powder layer onto a working area, and fusing together a selected area of the at least one powder layer by supplying energy from a radiation gun to the selected area. The invention is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: establishing an intended beam path that is to be used when fusing together the selected area of the at least one powder layer, calculating a temperature in the at least one powder layer along the intended beam path as a function of a specific energy deposition of an imaginary beam that is assumed to move along the intended beam path, adjusting the specific energy deposition of the imaginary beam along the intended beam path depending on the calculated temperature and on conditions set for the step of fusing together the selected area, and providing, based on the calculations and the adjustments, an operating scheme for the specific energy deposition of the real beam to be used for the intended beam path when fusing together the selected area of the at least one layer.
US09073264B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional shaped object There is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (i) forming a solidified layer by irradiating a predetermined portion of a powder layer with a light beam, thereby allowing sintering of the powder of the predetermined portion or melting and subsequent solidification thereof; and (ii) forming another solidified layer by newly forming a powder layer on the resulting solidified layer, and then irradiating another predetermined portion of the new powder layer with the light beam, the steps (i) and (ii) being repeatedly performed in a chamber; wherein a localized gas flow is provided in the chamber, and at least a part of a fume generated by the irradiation of the light beam is entrained by the localized gas flow.
US09073260B2	Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects using linear solidification An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. In certain examples, the linear solidification device includes a laser diode that projects light onto a linear scanning device, such as a rotating polygonal mirror or a linear scanning micromirror, which then deflects the light onto a photohardenable resin. As a result, the linear solidification device scans a line of solidification energy in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the laser diode. In other examples, the linear solidification device is a laser device array or light emitting diode array that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the array.
US09073259B2	Media-based system for forming three-dimensional objects Embodiments described herein are directed to generating physical three-dimensional color-accurate objects based on a 3D computer-based color model using printed layers of media. Embodiments can slice a 3D computer-based color model into 3D cross-sectional components, which retain the color information of the model. The 3D cross-sectional segments can be converted into 2D page images and the color information can be included in a plan image corresponding to the cross-sectional segments. Embodiments can print the page images to form cross-sectional prints which can be layered and trimmed to shape the prints into a color accurate physical object that represents the model.
US09073258B2	Methods for making photostructured acoustic devices A photostructurable ceramic is processed using photostructuring process steps for embedding devices within a photostructurable ceramic volume, the devices may include one or more of chemical, mechanical, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic devices, all made in part by creating device material within the ceramic or by disposing a device material through surface ports of the ceramic volume, with the devices being interconnected using internal connections and surface interfaces.
US09073255B2	Device and method for plasticization control of electric injection molding machine The exact method with small time-lag of detecting screw back pressure for controlling the screw back pressure in the plasticizing process of an electric-motor driven injection molding machine without using a pressure detector has been asked for because the pressure detector is very expensive, necessitates troublesome works for mounting, an electric protection against noise and the works for zero-point and span adjustings and causes a complicate mechanical structure.The present invention uses a high-gain observer which contains the discrete-time arithmetic expressions derived from a mathematical model of a plasticizing mechanism in an electric-motor driven injection molding machine consisting of state equations and outputs an estimate of screw back pressure, which is one of the state variables of the above state equations, by using a screw position signal, a servomotor current demand signal or actual motor current signal and a screw revolution speed signal as inputs. The high-gain observer obtains the exact screw back pressure estimate with very small time-lag without using a pressure detector. Thus the estimate of screw back pressure fed by the high-gain observer can be adopted as a feedback signal of actual screw back pressure for controlling the screw back pressure in the plasticizing process.
US09073251B2	Facility and method for producing containers A facility and process for processing containers includes a container production device for producing containers and at least one processing device which is disposed downstream from the container production device, for further processing of the containers. The container production device is synchronized with the processing device during regular operation. However, upon recognition of a malfunction in the processing device, synchronization of the container production device with the processing device is at least temporarily canceled.
US09073239B2	Vacuum vibration press for forming engineered composite stone slabs A vacuum vibration press manufactures engineered stone slabs that are equal or superior in appearance and physical properties to slabs manufactured using a conventional Breton press, while weighing less, costing less to manufacture, providing shorter press cycle times, requiring less resin, and consuming less energy. In addition to providing a vibration device above the slab, the press also includes a second vibration device below the slab, which replaces the massive inertial base of a Breton press. The vibration devices can have different frequencies, amplitudes, and/or vibration axes. The press can be completely enclosed within a vacuum chamber, and vibrationally isolated from surrounding structures. In embodiments, volume reduction blocks reduce the volume to be evacuated. Embodiments use screw jacks and springs or air bags to provide controlled pressing force and precisely uniform slab thickness. Slabs can be inserted and removed on a conveyor belt, or in separate trays on rollers.
US09073234B2	Cutting method of honeycomb dried body and honeycomb dried body cutting device There is disclosed cutting means of a honeycomb dried body in which cracks are not easily generated in the honeycomb dried body, even when a grindstone continues to be used for a long period of time, a cutting speed is raised and a cutting object is a honeycomb dried body having a large diameter. There is provided a cutting method of a honeycomb dried body to cut the honeycomb dried body while applying a force Pm which resists a thrust force Pt required for the cutting and a weight Pw of a cutoff section, to a portion which becomes the cutoff section.
US09073232B2	Chain guard and chainsaw system The application relates to a chainsaw system and chain guard for a chainsaw with interchangeable cutting attachments of different lengths. The cutting attachments have cutting chains, and the chain guard includes an insertion opening for inserting a cutting attachment, at least two side walls for covering lateral surfaces of the cutting attachment, a front end opposite the insertion opening, a first latching depression formed in at least one side wall, and a second latching depression formed in at least one side wall at a distance closer toward the insertion opening with respect to the first latching depression. The first latching depression and the second latching depression each include an arcuate latching surface for latching in a form-fitting manner with a cutting chain of the cutting attachment, such that the latching is active in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the chain guard.
US09073229B2	Efficient self-cleaning food chopper A novel and useful food chopper that includes a cutter having cutting edges arranged to form one or more cells and spring loaded plungers disposed and supported within the cells. The plungers include wipers extending around the circumference of the plungers at or near their bottoms. During a chopping cycle, the plungers are pushed back by the food to be chopped and compress their associated spring. When released, the wipers on each plunger squeegee the inner walls of the cell thereby achieving a cleaning action. Chopped food waste is minimized by careful placement of the wipers on the body of the plungers, placement of the plungers within the cells and by having a substantially flat bottom surface of the plungers which are mostly flush with the cutting edges of the cutter. Use of the wiper permits the food chopper to achieve very efficient chopping with minimal waste and a self-cleaning mechanism.
US09073225B2	Hair trimming device A hair trimming device has a first knife, a second knife, a first protective cover, a pair of movable plates, an elastic element and a second protective cover. The first protective cover covers the first knife and has a first comb installed at a front end of the first knife, and the pair of movable plates are linked with both external sides of the second knife and the first knife, and the second protective cover is installed at a front end of the pair of movable plates, and a second comb is disposed between the first comb and the cutting blade, such that the movable plate is linked to the second comb. When use, hairs of different lengths are bent and fixed and then cut to achieve layered hair styling without any discomfort caused by tearing the hair.
US09073224B2	Box opener pen top A foldable box opener is securable to a writing or pointing implement and has a blade mount having a collar attachable to a top portion of the writing implement and a portion adjacent the collar, with the offset portion including an opening extending through the offset portion, a blade including a first blade edge and a second blade edge opposite the first blade edge, and a pin attached to the blade and the collar allowing rotation of the blade about the collar. The blade first edge is tapered to have a smaller thickness than the second edge, with the first edge thickness being sufficiently narrow to cut a cardboard box or packaging tape while being sufficiently wide to prevent a user's skin from being pierced or lacerated.
US09073222B2	End effector An end effector for the packaging industry comprises has a frame, a bridge on top of the frame, a rack and pinion assembly, actuation rods, carrier assemblies, and vacuum ports. The rack and pinion assembly is configured to be operatively connected to a robot's rotatable shaft, and to the actuation rods. The actuation rods are fixedly connected to one or more of the carrier assemblies. As the robot's shaft rotates, the rack and pinion assembly is actuated, which actuates the actuation rods, which causes the carrier assemblies fixedly connected to the actuation rods to move longitudinally along the frame. Each carrier assembly includes a carrier block and at least one pick-up member. Each carrier block has at least one arm with a grabber to cooperate with an adjacent arm with grabbers of an adjacent carrier block(s) of the same subgroup.
US09073221B2	Working robot and processing plant A working robot according to an embodiment includes an arm part and a plurality of motors. The arm part includes a plurality of arm members. The plurality of motors respectively drives the plurality of arm members. Herein, rated powers respectively corresponding to the motors are the same.
US09073217B2	Clamping mechanism A clamping mechanism includes a driving assembly, a gear assembly and a clamping assembly. The driving assembly includes a driving gear. The gear assembly includes a first slave gear, a second slave gear and a connecting rod which is coupled with the first slave gear and the second slave gear. The first slave gear meshes with the second slave gear. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, which are coupled to the first slave gear and the second slave gear respectively. When the driving gear rotates, the first slave gear and the second slave gear would rotate in opposite directions to enable the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move toward or away from each other, thereby clamping or releasing a workpiece.
US09073215B2	Robot system A robot system includes: a robot including a camera unit shooting an object in a container, a hand gripping the object, and a contact detector detecting that the hand contacts the container; and a robot control device, which includes a control unit causing the hand to contact the container; a contact detection unit detecting by the contact detector that the hand contacts the container, and finding a contact position thereof; a first processing unit calculating a position of the container from a stereo image of the container acquired by the camera unit; a second processing unit calculating a difference between the position of the container calculated by the first processing unit and the contact position found by the contact detection unit as a correction amount; and a third processing unit correcting information on a position in a height direction of the object in the container based on the correction amount.
US09073207B2	Method for improving sensitivity of robot A method of improving sensitivity of a robot which includes: a calculation step, an induction step and a conversion step. The calculation step calculates angular velocities of joints of a robot. The induction step determines induced accelerations at the end of the robot by converting the angular velocities of the joints into a velocity at the end of the robot, using a Jacobian matrix, and by differentiating the velocity. The conversion step determines forces at a middle portion of the robot by multiplying the induced accelerations at the middle portion of the robot by a weight of the robot, multiplies the forces by an enhancement ratio, and then converts results of the multiplication into necessary torque at the joints, using a Jacobian matrix.
US09073195B2	Universal accessory for oscillating power tool A combination kit includes an oscillating power tool and accessory. The tool includes a housing, motor, transmission to convert rotational motion to oscillating motion, output spindle, and accessory attachment mechanism. The mechanism has a first clamping face with projections, a second clamping face, and a central post. The accessory includes a working end, an opposite rear end, and a fitment adjacent the rear end. The fitment includes a generally U-shaped opening open at the rear end that receives the post, a first plurality of openings in communication with and extending radially outward from the U-shaped opening, and a second plurality of openings not in communication with and positioned radially outward from the U-shaped opening.
US09073192B2	Pocket driver tool A pocket driver tool having a longitudinal housing with a multisided socket at one end of the tool and extending along part of a longitudinal axis of the pocket driver tool, and stalls for drivers extending transversely to the longitudinal axis. A lumination device can illuminate the work place in which the pocket driver tool is to drive a fastener into or out of a workpiece.
US09073184B2	Controlling structure for a unidirectional ratchet wrench A controlling structure for a unidirectional ratchet wrench contains a driving head of a unidirectional ratchet wrench, and driving head having a receiving cavity and a groove communicating with the receiving cavity. The receiving cavity has a driving member, and the driving member has a toothed portion. The groove has a retaining block received therein, and the retaining block has a plurality of locking teeth so as to engage with the toothed portion. The retaining block has a slot or a tab so as to retain with the elastic member. The elastic member has a fitting segment, a curved section, and an abutting segment, the fitting segment is fitted into the slot or is retained with the tab, the curved section extends outwardly from the fitting segment and becomes curved, and the abutting segment connects with the curved section and abuts against the groove.
US09073182B2	Screwing tool A screwing tool includes an engaging member adapted to be gripped as a handle including a first inserting member. A biasing member is received within the engaging member. A driving member includes a driving head and a guiding groove at two different ends. The guiding groove receives the first inserting member. The first inserting member interconnects the engaging member and the driving member. The biasing member is disposed between the driving member and the engaging member. A control ring receives the driving member and is selectively movable between a first position disposed at a first relative position with respect to the engaging member and in which the screwing tool becomes an impact screwdriver, and a second position disposed at a second relative position with respect to the engaging member and in which the screwing tool becomes a regular screwdriver.
US09073179B2	Laser method for making shaped ceramic abrasive particles, shaped ceramic abrasive particles, and abrasive articles A method of making shaped ceramic abrasive particles includes cutting a layer of ceramic precursor material using a laser beam and forming shaped ceramic precursor particles. Further thermal processing provides shaped ceramic abrasive particles. Shaped ceramic abrasive particles producible by the methods and abrasive articles containing them are also disclosed.
US09073177B2	Abrasive article comprising abrasive particles of a composite composition An abrasive article including a body having a bond material and abrasive particles contained in the bond material, the abrasive particles including a composite composition having alumina (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe2O3), and silica (SiO2). The abrasive particles further include an aspect ratio of at least 1:1 and an average porosity in a range of about 0 vol % to not greater than about 15 vol %.
US09073169B2	Feedback control of polishing using optical detection of clearance A method of controlling polishing includes polishing a first substrate having an overlying layer on an underlying layer or layer structure. During polishing, the substrate is monitored with an in-situ monitoring system to generate a sequence of measurements. The measurements are sorted into groups, each group associated with a different zone of a plurality of zones on the substrate. For each zone, a time at which the overlying layer is cleared is determined based on the measurements from the associated group. At least one second adjusted polishing pressure for at least zone is calculated based on a pressure applied in the at least one zone during polishing the substrate, the time for the at least one zone, and the time for another zone. A second substrate is polished using the at least one adjusted polishing pressure.
US09073168B2	Eccentric seat for an automobile grinding machine An eccentric seat of an automobile grinding machine has a base, a grinding device, and a linking-fixing unit. The base has a base hole formed in the base. The grinding device is mounted in the base and has a grinding head. The grinding head has a head hole aligned with the base hole. The linking-fixing unit is mounted in the base hole and can move along the axial direction of the base hole and can be engaged the base. The linking-fixing unit has an inserting end that can be engaged in the head hole. When the inserting end is inserted into the head hole, the grinding head is fixed relative to the base, such that it is easy for the grinding head to combine with a grinding body, and the eccentric seat is suitable for polishing a surface of an automobile.
US09073167B2	Precision rail profiling device for railway turnouts and crossings A rail profiling device for a railway crossover includes a frame having first and second rail-side members laterally spaced from each other and two longitudinally spaced support members extending therebetween; a plurality of wheels positioned on the rail-side members, wherein the rail-side members are laterally spaced a distance, such that wheels on opposite rail-side members are configured to be mounted on laterally spaced rails of the railway corresponding to an axle width of a rail vehicle of the railway, the wheels including a wheel profile corresponding to a rail vehicle wheel profile; and a planing device positioned on the first rail-side member and configured to provide, in a single set-up pass, a precisely located continuously levelly supported crossover wheel contact surface profile along the entire length of one side of the railway crossover.
US09073163B2	Elliptically moving mechanism An elliptically moving mechanism includes: a track disc formed with two tracks, the two tracks perpendicularly intersecting each other; a transmission ring rotatably fitted around a circumference of the track disc; a rocking arm positioned under the track disc; and two slide members disposed on a top face of the rocking arm. The rocking arm is connected to the two tracks via the two slide members. The two slide members are slidable along the two tracks respectively. When the transmission ring is rotated, the rocking arm is driven by the transmission ring to move in an elliptical path. The elliptically moving mechanism is easy to manufacture and assemble and has a small volume and is lightweight. Moreover, the mechanism provides different elliptical paths of different sizes.
US09073159B2	Machine tool adapter to reduce vibrations and noise A tool adapter includes a holder structured to be attached to a machine tool and a tool receiver structured to receive a portion of a rotary cutting tool therein. The tool receiver being mounted in the holder so as to be rotatable to a limited extent. The tool receiver being mounted in the holder so as to be elastically resilient in the axial direction.
US09073158B2	Methods for forming 3DIC package A method includes dispensing an underfill between a first package component and a second package component, wherein the first package component is placed on a lower jig, and the second package component is over and bonded to the first package component. A through-opening is in the lower jig and under the first package component. The underfill is cured, wherein during the step of curing the underfill, a force is applied to flatten the first package component. The force is applied by performing an action selected from the group consisting of vacuuming and air blowing through the through-opening.
US09073156B2	Method of supporting a tool and an apparatus for supporting a tool in an assembled apparatus A method of supporting a tool (106) in an assembled apparatus (10) comprises the steps of (a) inserting a support structure (60) through a first aperture (52,56) in a casing (50,54) of the apparatus (10), a first end (62) of the support structure (60) being outside the casing (50,54) and a second end (64) of the support structure (60) being inside the casing (50,54), (b) securing the first end (60) of the support structure (60) to the casing (50,54), (c) arranging a first portion (78) of the support structure (60) to abut at least one surface within the casing (50,54), (d) inserting a tool (106) through the first aperture (52,54) or a second aperture in the casing (50,54), and (e) securing the tool (106) to a second portion (102) of the support structure (60) within the casing (50,54).
US09073154B2	Flux for lead-free solder and soldering method A soldering flux which is suitable as a no-clean post flux in flow soldering and which can prevent the formation of whiskers which tends to occur when soldering electronic parts to a printed circuit board using a lead-free solder (such as Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu) having a higher Sn content and a higher melting point than the eutectic solder contains, in addition to a rosin as a base resin and an activator, 0.2-4 mass % of at least one compound selected from acid phosphate esters and derivatives thereof. The formation of whiskers can be more effectively prevented by carrying out soldering in a nitrogen atmosphere.
US09073151B2	Dissimilar material joint, structure in which dissimilar material joint is used, and method of producing the same A dissimilar material joint is formed by arranging a plurality of joint segments consecutively in a longitudinal direction. Each joint segment is formed by joining and integrating together a first member, an intermediate member, and a second member by explosive welding. A groove is formed in a joint end face of each joint segment, the joint end face being joined to another one of the segments, the groove spacing apart an end face of the first member and an end face of the second member from each other in a stacking direction. In the dissimilar material joint, the end faces of the respective first members of the joint segments that are adjacent to each other are joined together by welding, and the end faces of the respective second members of the joint segments that are adjacent to each other are joined together by welding.
US09073143B2	Automation of reaction metallurgical joining for copper conductors Copper conductor members or other copper-based workpieces are welded using a suitable copper alloy material that is reactive with the joining surfaces of the copper members. The reactive metal material may be applied as a thin metal foil strip between assembled facing joining surfaces. The members are pressed together against the reactive material and electrical resistance heated in forming the weld. Practices are adapted for forming many such welds in the pairs of facing ends of conductor bars or wires assembled, for example, in slots in a stator for a vehicle traction motor. Practices are disclosed for shaping and automated placement of suitably sized and shaped foils of reactive metal. Practices are also disclosed for use of a resistance welding tool in aligning and heating the many pairs of conductors to be welded.
US09073133B1	Key blank and carrier adapted for positioning a key blank in a cutter during bit cutting Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.
US09073132B2	PCD milling cutter for lens processing Disclosed is a PCD milling cutter for lens processing. The PCD milling cutter includes a shaft having one axial end portion rotatably coupled with a driving unit of a milling unit for lens processing, a rotary head coupled with the axial end portion of the shaft and having a plurality of installation protrusions which protrude outward along a circumference thereof about a rotation center and have outer circumferential surfaces rounded in an axial direction of the shaft, and a plurality of PCD tips coupled with installation surfaces of the installation protrusions positioned in a rotation direction, provided at outer end portions thereof with rounded cutting blades sharply processed in the axial direction of the shaft, and provided in inner end portions thereof, which are opposite to the cutting blades, with cutting grooves formed in a concave shape to increase a welding force.
US09073130B2	Drill A drill for producing a drilled hole in work pieces has at least one main cutting edge on an end face. At least one secondary cutting edge is provided in the region of a circumferential surface of the drill. At least one circularly ground land circumferentially adjoins the at least one secondary cutting edge. The circularly ground lands extend over a first longitudinal section in the front area of the secondary cutting edge. In a following second longitudinal section, a secondary flank circumferentially adjoins the secondary cutting edge.
US09073125B2	Laminates of chitosan films Chitosan films and laminates made from the films are provided. The films and laminates can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.
US09073122B2	Method for preparing silver nanowire Disclosed is a method for preparing silver nanowire. The method includes: providing a first solution and a second solution; mixing the first solution and the second solution to obtain a third solution including a plurality of silver nanowires; and performing a purification procedure on the third solution to obtain the silver nanowires. Particularly, the first solution includes a capping agent dispersed in a first alcohol solvent, and the second solution includes a silver salt and a metal precursor dispersed in a second alcohol solvent, wherein the metal precursor has a formula: MXn or MXn.m(H2O) wherein M is Cu2+, Sn4+, or Ni2+, X is Cl−, Br−, I−, SCN−, SO42−, NO3−, or C2O42−, n is 1-4, m is 1-6, and M has a valence equal to the absolute value of the product of n and a valence of X.
US09073119B2	Receptacle for handling molten metal, casting assembly and manufacturing method A receptacle for handling molten metal is provided. The receptacle has bottom and side walls and includes a refractory defining a cavity within which the molten metal is conveyed or contained. The receptacle has at least one channel extending within at least one of its walls. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a source for circulating a fluid within the channel. The outlet allows the fluid to be expelled from said channel. The channel allows, when the fluid is circulated in it, to regulate the temperature of the refractory and thereby of the metal conveyed or contained. A casting assembly and a method for casting the refractory are also provided.
US09073118B2	Air bearing mold handler The mold handler includes a mold closer mechanism that supports the cope and drag halves and effects movement in a closing direction whereby cope and drag halves are moved into mating alignment with one another. The cope and drag halves are with respective alignment structures that mediate the mating alignment of cope and drag halves as they are moved into mating alignment with one another. An air bearing mechanism that supports at least one of said cope and drag halves permits low friction lateral movement in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction to thereby adjust the relative positional relationship of cope and drag by interaction of the alignment structures.
US09073117B2	Diecasting die The invention relates to a diecasting die, in particular in a diecasting hot-runner system, wherein the diecasting die is provided in a feeding region for forming a plug of solidified molten material that interrupts a flow of the molten material and can be completely remelted. A diecasting die is provided according to the preamble of the invention that is suitable for different molten materials, in which a heating acts directly on the molten material with high power and largely without delay. Cooling is not required and the injection-molding method can be carried out at a high operating machine speed and under feeding conditions that can be monitored and reproduced well. A feeding region is provided comprising direct resistance heating that produces a melting heat and is in direct thermal contact with the molten material.
US09073115B2	Homogenization and heat-treatment of cast metals A method of casting a metal ingot with a microstructure that facilitates further working, such as hot and cold rolling. The metal is cast in a direct chill casting mold, or the equivalent, that directs a spray of coolant liquid onto the outer surface of the ingot to achieve rapid cooling. The coolant is removed from the surface at a location where the emerging embryonic ingot is still not completely solid, such that the latent heat of solidification and the sensible heat of the molten core raises the temperature of the adjacent solid shell to a convergence temperature that is above a transition temperature for in-situ homogenization of the metal. A further conventional homogenization step is then not required. The invention also relates to the heat-treatment of such ingots prior to hot working.
US09073113B2	Method for seaming can cover This method for clinching a can cover has a small diameter center panel formed from a center panel, ring-shaped reinforcing groove, chuck wall, and curled part in which the ratio of the center panel diameter and can cover diameter is 0.65-0.75. The chuck wall is provided with a first inclined part and a second inclined part that are inclined toward the outside. When a flange tip part of a can body and the curled part of the can cover are superimposed in a virtual horizontal plane, a lower end part of the second inclined part or a second curved part that connects the first inclined part and second inclined part is positioned in a position in a range of an angle of 0°-35° to a virtual horizontal plane passing through the center of the curve of a rounded part of the flange.
US09073110B2	Fin processing apparatus Disclosed is a fin processing apparatus including an upper pressing die (1) and a lower pressing die (2) placed apart from each other and capable of coming close to and away from each other, a corrugating mechanism (3) disposed between the pressing dies (1, 2) for continuously forming a plurality of consecutive corrugated members (Fa) from a flat plate (Fo) which is a workpiece material, the consecutive corrugated member (Fa) having a predetermined number of crest portions, and a restriking mechanism (4) disposed between both pressing dies (1, 2) for simultaneously restrike-forming a plurality of crest and trough portions of the consecutive rectangle member (Fb) from the consecutive corrugated member (Fa). The corrugating mechanism (3) and the restriking mechanism (4) are provided integrally.
US09073109B2	Self-centering laser measuring system for motorcycle frame repair A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.
US09073105B2	Collapsible aquatic sediment enclosure and process for removal of contaminants A collapsible aquatic enclosure apparatus is described for use in capturing, isolating and removing contaminants and otherwise easily dispersed aquatic sediments and detritus in water bodies. The collapsible aquatic enclosure can also be used for removal and control of targeted aquatic fauna and flora. Once deployed, the collapsible enclosure creates an isolated volume of water above the target aquatic area. Internal plunger and pipe intake structure within the enclosure provide agitation to remove contaminants, sediments and detritus and targeted fauna and flora residues inside the collapsible apparatus. Methods for using the collapsible aquatic enclosure apparatus are also described.
US09073104B2	Drill cuttings treatment systems Generally, the present disclosure is related to systems and methods for separating hydrocarbons and/or other liquids from drill cuttings material. One illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is directed to a system that includes, among other things, a thermal reactor that is adapted to remove liquid from drill cuttings material by heating the drill cuttings material to at least a first temperature that is sufficiently high enough to vaporize the liquid. The illustrative system also includes a feeder system that is adapted to controllably feed a flow of the drill cuttings material to the thermal reactor, and a control system that is adapted to control the flow of the drill cuttings material from the feeder system so as to maintain a temperature in the thermal reactor at or above the first temperature.
US09073102B2	Method for cleansing nanoimprinting molds A method for cleansing a mold of the present invention suppresses generation of damage is a method for cleansing a nanoimprinting mold, in which a mesa type mold is immersed in cleansing fluid and ultrasonic cleansing is performed in a state in which a mold release layer containing a fluorine compound is provided on a patterned region of the mesa type mold.
US09073094B2	Methods and apparatus to reduce biological carryover using induction heating Methods, systems, apparatus and machine readable media are disclosed to reduce biological carryover. An example method includes generating an alternating electromagnetic field and introducing an aspiration and dispense device into the electromagnetic field. The example method also includes inductively heating the aspiration and dispense device with the electromagnetic field to at least one of denature or deactivate at least one of a protein or a biological entity on a surface of the aspiration and dispense device.
US09073092B2	Sheet reinspection apparatus, sheet inspection system, and sheet inspection method According to one embodiment, a reinspection apparatus which reinspects rejected sheets rejected from sheet processing apparatus configured to convey sheets at first speed, to inspect conveyed sheet in accordance with first determination threshold, and to reject sheets in accordance with an inspection result, reinspection apparatus includes, conveying unit configured to convey taken sheets at second speed lower than first speed, inspection unit configured to inspect sheets conveyed at second speed, determination unit configured to determine whether to reject sheets, and counting unit configured to count sheets which have been determined not to be rejected.
US09073091B2	On-line oil and foreign matter detection system and method A system for detecting oil contaminated product and foreign matter within a product stream is provided. The system includes a first conveying means for delivering a product stream; a first detection apparatus for detecting oil contaminated product, the first detection apparatus positioned proximate the product stream, the first detection apparatus including a high intensity infrared light source directed at the product stream; and a high speed NIR spectrometer sensor tuned to detect a reflected signal from a taggant disposed in the oil of the oil contaminated product; a second detection apparatus for detecting foreign matter within a product stream, the second detection apparatus positioned proximate the product stream, the second detection apparatus including a light source for illuminating the product stream and a detector for detecting light reflected from the product stream; and a controller for determining whether the product stream contains oil contaminated product or foreign matter.
US09073088B2	Centrifugal size-separation sieve for granular materials A centrifugal sieve and method utilizes centrifugal force in rapidly-rotated cylindrical or conical screens as the primary body force contributing to size segregation. Within the centrifugal acceleration field, vibration and/or shearing flows are induced to facilitate size segregation and eventual separation of the fines from the coarse material. Inside a rotating cylindrical or conical screen, a separately-rotated screw auger blade can be used to transport material along the rotating cylinder or conical wall and to induce shearing in the material.
US09073086B2	Probe for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of manufacturing the same A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a backing layer including backing members, a first connector bonded between the backing members and including electrodes spaced from each other in an arrangement direction, and a piezoelectric member electrically connected to the electrodes. A method of manufacturing the same is also disclosed. The piezoelectric member is connected to the first connector or to first and second connectors via an electrode layer instead of using a complicated and laborious soldering operation, thereby enabling easy connection between the piezoelectric member and the connector while preventing deterioration in performance caused by defective connection therebetween and deterioration in performance of the piezoelectric member caused by heat during manufacturing operation.
US09073082B2	Method for producing homogeneously matted coatings by radiation curing The present invention relates to a method for producing matt and scratch-resistant coatings that takes place under exposure to actinic radiation on coating systems containing activated double bonds under radical polymerization.
US09073075B2	Garden sprayer A garden sprayer has a main body, a shaft, a positioning knob, a control member and a seal sleeve. Since the control member is driven by the rotation of the shaft, the user does not need to keep pressing the sprayer to output water. When the user needs to take a break, he or she can jus hook a gripping loop on any protruding object. With a connecting tube and the connecting hole, the assembly can be finished with any hand tools.
US09073068B2	Slotted nozzle The invention relates to a spray head having a slot-shaped central air outlet opening and preferably a slot-shaped paint nozzle for forming a flat jet of paint in an air-propelled application process.
US09073067B2	Manually connected nozzle assembly A nozzle assembly includes a base fixed to a spray pipe containing an internal brush system, a cap that can engage to the base in only one orientation by a multiple lug and receptacle combination, including at least a first lug and a second lug and a first receptacle and a second receptacle, and a nozzle disc able to be held compressively between the base and the cap with a bore extending through the spray pipe, the base and the cap. The nozzle disc includes a nipple extending into the spray pipe when the nozzle assembly is assembled, in which the multiple lug and receptacle combination has at least two circumferentially spaced male lugs or female lugs for engaging complementary receptors, so that the cap is manually able to be engaged to the base by applying axial compression to the cap and twisting the cap relative to the base until the first lug and second lug are locked in engagement in the corresponding first receptacle and second receptacle in the one orientation.
US09073064B2	Cyclonic separation system comprising gas injection means and method for separating a fluid mixture An apparatus for separating a fluid mixture includes a uniaxial cyclonic separator (2) having a separation chamber (18) for separating the fluid mixture by cyclonic action into a first fluid and a second fluid. An inlet (16) is located at a first end of the separation chamber (18) for receiving a fluid mixture, while a first outlet (22) for the first fluid and a second outlet (26) for the second fluid are located at a second end of the separation chamber. A gas injection means (12) is provided for injecting a gas into the fluid mixture to aid separation within the separation chamber (18). The gas injection may also be through an annular chamber surrounding the separator chamber (18). The gas in this case is introduced through a porous medium 130 via a gas supply line 136.
US09073058B2	Wood chipping apparatus and method A wood chipper with an air entrainment system. The wood chipper includes a chipping drum in a drum chamber and a discharge fan in a fan chamber. The chipping drum and fan are conjointly driven by a common shaft. The discharge fan draws air from the drum chamber through a chamber air inlet and potentially also from the ambient atmosphere through an external air inlet. The volume of air drawn from the drum chamber is sufficient to offset or overcome the negative air flow created by the spinning drum in the drum chamber to reduce blowback. Air entrained with the chipped material moves toward the discharge chute and away from the material inlet. A deflector may be include near the mouth of the discharge chute to further guide air flow from the fan chamber toward the discharge chute and prevent the backflow of air into the chipping chamber.
US09073052B2	Lab members and liquid handling systems and methods including same A laboratory liquid handling system includes a pipetting module, a lab member, and a drive system. The pipetting module includes a pipettor including a pipettor shaft and a pipetting tip extending from an end of the pipettor shaft. The lab member includes a body and at least one adapter structure including an interlock feature configured to laterally receive and interlock with the pipettor shaft to releasably secure the lab member to the pipettor shaft. The drive system is operable to: selectively move the pipettor shaft laterally relative to the interlock structure to engage the pipettor shaft with the interlock structure to secure the lab member to the pipetting module; move the pipetting module to transport the lab member secured thereto; and selectively move the pipettor shaft laterally relative to the interlock structure to disengage the pipettor shaft from the interlock structure to thereby release the lab member.
US09073050B2	Ion exchange compositions, methods for making and materials prepared therefrom An ion exchange polymer composition is provided, which includes a primary crosslinker and a secondary crosslinker. The primary crosslinker includes a crosslinked ionic monomer including a quaternary ammonium group. A method for making the ion exchange polymer composition and materials prepared from the ion exchange polymer composition are also provided.
US09073046B2	Catalyst and process for oxychlorination of ethylene to dichloroethane In an oxychlorination process of the type where ethylene is converted to 1,2-dichloroethane in the presence of a supported copper catalyst, the improvement comprising: the use of a supported catalyst prepared by (i) impregnating, within a first step, an alumina support with a first aqueous solution including copper, an alkaline earth metal, and an alkali metal to thereby form a first catalyst component; and (ii) impregnating, within a subsequent step, the first catalyst component with a second aqueous solution including copper and alkaline earth metal, where the second aqueous solution is substantially devoid of alkali metal, to thereby form the supported catalyst.
US09073043B2	Hydrogen production catalyst, production method of the same and hydrogen production method The drive of direct-heat-supply type reforming of hydrocarbon at ordinary temperature is necessary in order to realize a self-sustaining, on-site reforming type fuel cell system which does not necessitate the supply of energy from the outside. According to the invention, an oxide, CeO2 or Pr6O11, or a Ce/Zr or Ce/Zr/Y double oxide is used as the oxide containing a rare earth element capable of changing the oxidation number with an active metal and oxygen defects are introduced into the oxide or double oxide by activating the oxide or double oxide with a reducing gas at high temperature. When a reaction gas containing hydrocarbon and oxygen is passed though the catalyst at low temperature, the oxygen defects react with oxygen and thereby return to the original oxide. Since this return reaction is an exothermic reaction, the catalyst itself is heated, which acts as the driving force for advancing the combustion of the hydrocarbon, whereby the catalyst layer is further heated and the reforming is advanced to from hydrogen. Thus, the hydrogen-producing reaction can be driven even at low temperature, particularly ordinary temperature.
US09073041B2	Precipitated silica sorbents and method of separating materials from a fluid stream The present invention is directed to a separation medium comprising rotary dried or spray dried precipitated silica. The silica has a pore surface area P wherein log10 P>2.2, and the ratio of BET to CTAB is at least 1.0 measured prior to any surface modification of the silica.The present invention is further directed to a method of separating suspended or dissolved materials from a fluid stream, comprising contacting the stream with the separation medium described above.
US09073040B2	Water-absorbent polymer particles The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding heated gas phase and flowing the gas cocurrent through the polymerization chamber, wherein the temperature of the gas leaving the polymerization chamber is 130° C. or less, the gas velocity inside the polymerization chamber is at least 0.5 m/s, and the droplets are generated by using a droplet plate having a multitude of bores.
US09073039B2	Carbon sorbent for reversible ammonia sorption A sorbent that is particularly effective for the efficient adsorption and subsequent desorption of ammonia is produced from a high-purity carbon material which is exposed to an oxidizing environment so as to produce an effective amount of at least one oxygen species on its exposed surfaces. The high purity carbon material may be produced by carbonizing a polymer material, and the sorbent may comprise a support having an open-cell, three dimensional, lattice-like structure.
US09073037B2	Semiconductor photocatalyst for the photocatalytic reforming of biomass derivatives for hydrogen generation, and preparation and use thereof Disclosed are a semiconductor photocatalyst for the photocatalytic reforming of biomass derivatives for hydrogen generation, and preparation and use thereof. The semiconductor photocatalyst has the atomic composition ratio of M˜N-Ax; wherein M˜N are IIB group elements to VIA group elements, or IIIA group elements to VA group elements, A being one element or more than two elements selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, chromium, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium and silver; and 0.02%≦x≦1.0%. The method of in-situ preparation of the highly effective semiconductor photocatalyst and catalytically reforming biomass derivatives for hydrogen generation by driving photoreaction with visible light via quantum dots is simple, fast, highly effective, inexpensive and practical. The in situ reaction can occur in sunlight without the need of harsh conditions such as calcination.
US09073034B2	Efficient fixed bed platform for production of ethylene oxide by partial oxidation of ethylene using catalyst of wide selectivity At least one method to efficiently produce alkylene oxide from partial oxidation of hydrocarbons using a high efficiency heterogeneous catalyst in a fixed bed enclosed within a reaction vessel, and a reaction vessel constructed to facilitate the same.
US09073024B2	Mixing bubble generator and installation configuration A new accumulator for generating mixing bubbles comprises pivoting, counterbalanced buckets, the buckets receiving air directed from blowers, either directly from injectors connected to the blowers, or from diffusers used for aeration of the liquid in the tank. A bucket, weighed down by a counterbalance, receives air from injectors or diffusers below, and, as the air displaces liquid in the bucket, the buoyancy of the bucket increases until it exceeds the downward force of the counterweight, at which time the bucket pivots upward to release a large mixing bubble into the tank. An assembly for installation of the accumulator affixes the accumulator on a rigid vertical piece depending from a horizontal bridge.
US09073022B2	System and method for recycling surfactant in emulsion production A system for producing emulsions includes a liquid supply system, an emulsification system in liquid connection with the liquid supply system to receive a first liquid and a second liquid from the liquid supply system while in operation to be used to produce an emulsion therefrom, and a surfactant recovery system connected to the emulsification system to receive the emulsion when produced from the first and second liquids. The second liquid is immiscible with the first liquid, and the surfactant recovery system recovers at least a portion of surfactant from the emulsion when the emulsion is received from the emulsification system.
US09073020B2	Synchronised dispensing device, method for synchronising flows, and method for mixing a mixable material A cartridge system for mixing and applying a mixable material has a discharge opening and at least two cartridges which have interiors delimited in some areas by a cartridge head. A device regulates streams from the cartridges, is arranged on the cartridge head and has an outflow opening and conveying mechanisms for conveying the starting components to the outflow opening. Each conveying mechanism has a connection to an interior of a cartridge, which has a cartridge opening, and is arranged rotatably in the device. Volumetric flows of the components are defined by the angular velocities of the conveying mechanisms, and the conveying mechanisms are coupled to each other in such a way that the ratio of the angular velocities relative to each other is fixed, such that a defined mixing ratio can be generated at the outflow opening.
US09073018B2	Micro mixer Disclosed is a micro mixer which includes a mixing plate (14) with a first channel-forming section and a second channel-forming section. The first channel-forming section has a first channel formed for a first fluid to flow therethrough, while the second channel-forming section has a second channel formed for a second fluid to flow therethrough. Between the first channel-forming section and the second channel-forming section, there is provided a combined channel in which the first fluid and the second fluid merge with each other. The outlet of the first channel and the outlet of the second channel are opposed to each other with the combined channel disposed therebetween. The position of the outlet of the first channel facing the center axis of the combined channel is included in or the same as the position of the outlet of the second channel facing the center axis.
US09073013B2	Separation membrane, hydrogen separation membrane including separation membrane, and device including hydrogen separation membrane A separation membrane including: an alloy including a Group 5 element, Fe, and Al, wherein the alloy includes a body-centered cubic lattice structure.
US09073010B2	Catalytic reduction of NOx A system for NOx reduction in combustion gases, especially from diesel engines, incorporates an oxidation catalyst to convert at least a portion of NO to NO2, particulate filter, a source of reductant such as NH3 and an SCR catalyst. Considerable improvements in NOx conversion are observed.
US09073006B2	Gas liquid contactor A gas and liquid contacting vessel comprises a distributor apparatus. The distributor apparatus comprising at least one housing rotatable about an axis of the housing for receiving liquid. Each rotatable housing having a distributor region comprising at least one liquid outlet or arrangement of liquid outlets formed in the housing from which liquid is projected from the housing as at least one liquid sheet onto an inner wall of the vessel. A pressurised source of liquid such as via a pump for providing liquid through the liquid outlets in the distributor apparatus to project liquid from the housing at least initially, in a stream of liquid extending continuously along the length of the liquid outlet corresponding to the inner wall of the vessel, and a gas inlet communicating with the gas liquid contacting space, the gas inlet directing gas into contact with the liquid sheets projected from the outlets in the housing.
US09073003B2	System and method for collecting carbon dioxide utilizing dielectric heating A system for collecting carbon dioxide from a process gas including an adsorbent material for adsorbing carbon dioxide molecules from the process gas, a dielectric heater proximate the adsorbent material, and a vessel having an internal volume enclosing the adsorbent material and, optionally, the dielectric heater.
US09072999B2	Aromatic amino compounds for carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide removal Described are aromatic amino compounds that are useful to methods of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide removal.
US09072992B2	Fuel filter with filter recognition A modification of a fuel filter for use with an internal combustion engine is described. The modification provides a switch element that, in conjunction with the water level sensor conventionally provided in the filter, enables detection of the presence or absence of a filter insert or whether an improper insert has been installed in the filter housing. When the filter insert is inserted or removed, the switch element makes or breaks an electrical circuit that is part of the water level sensor. The control unit is thus able to detect switch states of three different variables in the filter: the water level is/is not too high; the filter insert is/is not installed; or the correct filter is/is not installed. The control unit accordingly allows or prevents operation of the motor, depending on the detected switch state.
US09072989B2	Underdrain for a filter system for filtering water or wastewater An apparatus for use in a filter system for filtering water or wastewater. The apparatus includes at least one underdrain lateral. The at least one underdrain lateral has at least an inner chamber, a first outer chamber and a second outer chamber. The first outer chamber and the second outer chamber are preferably in fluid communication with the inner chamber. The inner chamber, the first outer chamber and the second outer chamber are preferably formed by an inner liner and an outer liner. The outer liner is a separate piece from the inner liner and surrounds the inner liner. The inner chamber is preferably configured to simultaneously receive a liquid and a gas during a washing procedure including simultaneous use of a liquid and gas to clean a filter bed to create a liquid and gas interface in the inner chamber.
US09072986B2	Method and apparatus for securing fractionation trays A chemical-process system includes a chemical-process column and a support disposed on an interior of the chemical-process column. A tray is disposed on a top surface of the support. A bolt is disposed through the tray and a clamp is disposed below the tray. The clamp has a notch formed therein for receiving a head region of the bolt. The clamp engages a bottom surface of the tray and a bottom surface of the support. The bolt is able to angularly displace with respect to at least one of the tray and the clamp.
US09072985B2	Plate evaporator of the falling film type, and a plate evaporator apparatus having such a plate evaporator arranged in a housing A plate evaporator apparatus of the falling film type comprises a housing having an inlet for liquid to be evaporated and having mounted therein a package of heat transferring plates with plate interspaces, every second one of which forms an evaporation space for at least partial evaporation of liquid and the other plate interspaces forming condensation spaces for at least partial condensation of a heat emitting vapor. First seals delimit distribution chambers, each of which is in liquid flow communication with at least one evaporation space by flow ways spaced apart along the package width. The heat transferring plates have through openings aligned to form a passage extending through the plate package. A pipe is connected to the inlet and has apertures distributed along its length in flow communication with the distribution chambers, for supplying the liquid to be evaporated from the inlet to the distribution chambers through the apertures.
US09072981B2	Hovering toy figure A remote controlled hovering toy figure having a propulsion system, a control system, a winged body, and a wing actuation assembly. The winged body is mounted to the propulsion system, which is controlled by the control system. The wing actuation assembly is mounted to the winged body, and the wing actuation assembly is powered by the control system. The wing actuation assembly drives the wings in an oscillating flapping motion. The wings comprise apertures permitting air to pass through the wing, thus reducing the aerodynamic effect of the flapping motion. In this manner, the wings produce a softened “bouncing” flight action, thus creating a realistic flight motion. In another embodiment, the propulsion system comprises one or more rotors in a coaxial arrangement, and a rotor mast housing in the shape of a rider riding the hovering toy figure.
US09072978B2	Waterslide assembly and system The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a flexible polymeric sheet having first and second sides and an anchoring device including a tab element, a pressure-sensitive adhesive element, and a stake element.
US09072972B2	Application distribution network Methods and systems for remotely provisioning applications from the cloud in secure environments with robust license control failover options using a hierarchical server topology. Cloud-based servers provide applications and licenses to an organization's local servers, which in turn serve applications and licenses to end user devices. By synchronizing information including license and application provision information among the local and cloud-based servers, an organization's local servers can continue to serve applications and licenses when one or more of the organization's local servers fail.
US09072970B2	System and method for valuating a player in a fantasy draft based on user-defined league rules A system and method for valuating a player in a fantasy draft based on user-defined league rules are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing a list of players, each player associated with a base value, receiving one or more user-defined rules for the draft, and determining adjusted values for each of the list of players based at least in part on base values of the players and the user-defined rules.
US09072964B2	Information processing program and information processing apparatus In an information processing apparatus stores, save data shared among first-third applications is stored in a memory for saved data by bringing it into correspondence with the first-third applications as first-third data. A computer integrates the first-third data stored in the memory for saved data within a main memory when the first application is activated, for example, and updates the integration data in accordance with execution of the first application and overwrites the first data and second data stored in the memory for saved data with the updated integration data in response to an automatic saving instruction or a saving instruction by a user at the same time.
US09072959B2	Attachment for sliding boards A binding for a sliding board includes a stationary part connected to the board, forming a rotating body, and provided with a retaining and fastening arrangement; and a moving part provided with an attachment and retaining arrangement for attaching and retaining same in relation to the retaining and fastening arrangement of the stationary part. The retaining and fastening arrangement of the stationary part are formed by peripherally arranged flanges separated from the board, as well as including portions with no flanges. The moving part includes a boot securing arrangement including a cavity, which can also rotate, provided with internal ridges, the cavity having a diameter approximately equal to that of the rotating body of the stationary part together with the flanges, such that the connection between the stationary part and the moving part takes the form of a bayonet coupling obtained by insertion and rotation.
US09072956B2	Wakeboarding pool and method of use thereof A wakeboarding system and pool are provided. The wakeboarding system includes a deck, a pool of water adjacent the deck, a pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, the pad being fixedly coupled to the deck and protruding therefrom over a portion of the pool of water, the bottom surface of the pad being in contact with the pool of water and the pad being configured to float, and a flow of water over the top surface of the pad. The pad has an outer edge that opposes the deck, the outer edge being configured in a semi-circle. The pad further includes protrusions on the pad, the protrusions being configured on the top surface of the pad to allow a wake boarder to engage the protrusions. The apparatus further includes a towing mechanism and a tow device coupled thereto for towing the wake boarder.
US09072955B2	Adjustable resistance kickboard A variable-resistance kickboard apparatus includes a buoyant kickboard body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening extending through the kickboard body between the upper and lower surfaces. The apparatus also includes a blade extending through the opening and slidably engaged in the opening. The blade can be raised and lowered in the opening to adjust the proportion of the blade that extends below the lower surface.
US09072954B2	Batting practice apparatus A batting practice apparatus is arranged with a handle to be grasped by one person so a second person can practice hitting a ball, wherein the person grasping the apparatus positions the ball in a desired location and, when the second person strikes the ball with a bat, the kinetic energy associated with hitting the ball is dissipated, and the ball travels a reduced distance after being struck without having to pursue the ball a significant distance to retrieve it.
US09072946B2	Golf club head covers with a strap and methods to manufacture golf club head covers Embodiments of club head covers having a pull strap and methods to manufacture club head covers are generally described herein. Other embodiments of club head covers having a pull strap may be described and claimed.
US09072945B2	Multi-piece golf ball comprising low hardness gradient core A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient.
US09072941B2	Exoskeleton suit for adaptive resistance to movement Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing resistance to movement of a wearer. The system includes a plurality of wearable actuators, a plurality of wearable sensors, and a processor. Each of the wearable sensors measures an indication of an orientation of a corresponding one of the wearable actuators with respect to a vertical direction. Each of the sensors also measures an indication of a motion experienced by the corresponding one of the wearable actuators. The processor receives data from each sensor indicating the orientation and the motion of the sensor. The processor determines an amount of resistance to apply using each of the actuators based on the vertical direction and sends instructions to the actuators. The instructions cause the actuators to apply a resistance to the wearer.
US09072937B2	Training apparatus for muscles in the upper part of the body A training apparatus for training the upper part of the body of a human user. The training apparatus includes a support member with a length axis and an essentially plane support surface intended to carry the user during use of the training apparatus. The support surface is arranged to be turned away from the surface during use of the training apparatus, and two handles for application of forces from the user's hands. The training apparatus includes a first leg member the first end of which is rotatably attached to the support member, and a second leg member the one end of which is rotatably attached to the support member. When applying a force on the handles so that the arms are rotated around the third axis of rotation, the leg members are rotated so that the distance between the support member and the surface increases.
US09072936B1	Elliptical exercise device An elliptical exercise device has a frame supporting guide links and foot support links. A cam system has a horizontal control cam portion with a first and second offset horizontal drive portion. Horizontal control followers are pivotally connected to a horizontal follower support and each has a control portion and a cam engagement portion engaging a horizontal drive portion. Horizontal control couplings couple the guide links to the control portions of the horizontal control followers. A vertical drive system is coupled to the foot support links. A foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a generally elliptical path when the cam portion rotates about the cam axis.
US09072933B1	Apparatus for exercising intrinsic muscles An apparatus for exercising intrinsic muscles of the lower and upper body includes a base having an elongate track mounted thereto. A pair of carriages carrying respective stirrups are adjustably mounted to the track. A pair of outer connector hooks are mounted to respective ends of the base and at least one inner connector hook is mounted to the base between the outer hooks. A height adjustable vertical post carries a horizontal hanger. Resilient athletic bands are connected to the apparatus and manipulated by a user to exercise intrinsic muscles.
US09072928B2	Exercise apparatus and methods for making the same An exercise apparatus may include an elongated tube disposed between a pair of handles. The elongated tube may be stretchable and flexible, making the exercise apparatus ideal for use in resistance training, amongst other sports and activities. The elongated tube may be attached to each handle by a grommet, a gasket, and an insert. An end of the elongated tube may be threaded through the gasket and may receive the insert, which prevents the end of the elongated tube from retreating back through the gasket. The grommet may be arranged on the gasket and affixed to a strap defining a portion of the handle.
US09072924B2	Preaction dry pipe alarm valve for a sprinkler pipework A preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) is provided for a sprinkler pipework (24) and sprinklers with a fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26). A water supply (38 and an air feed (37) are selectively in communication with the sprinkler pipework. A pilot control chamber (19) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) is depressurized in case of a fault message from the fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26). When the pilot control chamber (19) is depressurized and, in the case of a decreasing pressure in the sprinkler pipework (24), a quick opener (40) opens the valve head (2) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1), so that extinguishing water can flow into the dry pipework (24). The system allows very short flooding times for the sprinkler pipework with no additional rapid vents installed in the pipework.
US09072923B2	Industrial floor nozzle and fire fighting system An industrial floor firefighting system including a grating structured to rest over a trench and a firefighting nozzle attached to the grating, the system preferably characterized in the nozzle having an adjustable discharge gap; in the nozzle barrel being structured with the grating such that the barrel bears essentially no weight from industrial objects on or passing over the grating; in having an adjustable bafflehead/barrel combination that produces a nozzle gap upstream of the nozzle discharge orifice; and/or, as well, producing an annular gap discharge and an essentially annular nozzle discharge.
US09072922B2	Fluid dispensing ladder Disclosed is a safety ladder for protecting a lineman or firefighter from a flash fire. The ladder has the appearance of a conventional ladder but includes interlocking plates positioned in between the rungs along the rails. Attached to the plates are fluid conduits that allow for the dispensing of a hydrated super absorbent polymer having superior fire suppression to be sprayed over an individual using the ladder should a fire erupt. The mounting plates have spray nozzles attached to the conduit located along the rails of the ladder so as to not infer with normal use of the ladder. A pressurized container of hydrated super absorbent polymer is coupled to the ladder. The hydrated super absorbent polymer is discharged through a solenoid valve which can be operated by the individual using the ladder with a button attached to the ladder or activated by a heat sensor attached to the ladder.
US09072920B2	Portable personal descending escape system A portable personal descending escape system that includes a flexible, folding body sack designed to hold a small child or animal that can be gradually lowered to the ground by a single individual. The body sack is designed to fold into a small storage bag. The body sack includes a closable top opening and at least one side panel made of mesh material. Attached to the side of the body sack near the top opening is a handle. Attached to the body sack is an elongated strap with a plurality of strap handles attached thereto. The strap handles are evenly spaced apart along the handle so that one individual may gradually release the strap to safely lower the child or animal to the ground.
US09072919B2	Synergistic antioxidant cosmetic compositions containing at least one of baicalin and taxifolin, at least one of caffeine and nicotinamide, at least one of vitamin C and resveratrol and ferulic acid The invention provides synergistic aqueous compositions comprising at least one flavonoid, and ferulic acid, and optionally one or more additional antioxidants, for cosmetic use.
US09072918B2	Method of formulating zinc oxide powder blends for balanced UVA/UVB attenuation Disclosed is a composition that comprises an effective proportion of a first metal oxide powder having a primary particle size and a secondary particle size selected for the first metal oxide powder to attenuate UVA and an effective proportion of a second metal oxide powder having a secondary particle size selected for the second metal oxide powder to attenuate UVB. The mean secondary particle size of the first metal oxide powder is greater than the mean secondary particle size of the second metal oxide powder. In one embodiment, the first and the second metal oxide powders are both zinc oxide.
US09072916B2	Aqueous anti-perspiration formulation The invention relates to a cosmetic formulation with improved effectiveness and reduced stickiness, comprising at least one activated aluminum antiperspirant active ingredient, at least one alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid and water.
US09072915B2	Composition containing at least one volatile linear alkane and at least one cationic surfactant Composition containing, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least 2.5% by weight of one or more volatile linear alkanes relative to the total weight of the composition, and one or more cationic surfactants, where the volatile linear alkane(s)/cationic surfactant(s) weight ratio is less than or equal to 1.5. Use of this composition for the treatment of keratin materials, preferably the hair.
US09072911B2	Leadless cardiac stimulation systems Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.
US09072909B1	Implantable medical electrical lead connectors, assemblies thereof, and methods of manufacture An implantable lead connector assembly includes core and contact circuits held together and isolated from one another by insulation. The core circuit includes a conductive core and a conductor pin, which has a proximal end coupled to an outer surface of the core, and a distal end spaced outward from the outer surface and protruding distally from the insulation. Insulation sealing surfaces extend on either side of an outer contact surface of each contact circuit, and the sealing and contact surfaces define a uniform outer diameter of the assembly. A conductor pin of each contact circuit has a proximal end coupled to an inner surface of a contact ring of the corresponding circuit, and a distal end that protrudes distally from the insulation. The insulation may be formed by injection molding, and then outer surfaces of the molded insulation and contact ring(s) are ground down to the uniform outer diameter.
US09072907B2	Heart help device, system, and method The present invention relates to an implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on the heart muscle. The implantable device comprises at least one implantable pump device comprising: A fluid, A first reservoir having a first volume and at least one movable wall portion, for varying said first volume, and A second reservoir being in fluid connection with said first reservoir. Wherein said implantable pump device is adapted to allow free flow of fluid between said first reservoir and said second reservoir, and wherein said first reservoir, said second reservoir and said fluid connection forms a fully implantable closed pump device, and wherein said fully implantable closed pump device is adapted to transfer force from said first reservoir to said second reservoir.
US09072905B2	Clinician programmer system and method for steering volumes of activation A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set.
US09072903B2	System and method of establishing a protocol for providing electrical stimulation with a stimulation system to treat a patient A stimulation system, such as a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, having a programmer and a patient feedback device for establishing a protocol to treat a patient. The programmer uses a computer assisted stimulation programming procedure for establishing the protocol. Also described are methods of treating a patient with a spinal cord stimulation system including the programmer and the patient feedback device.
US09072902B2	Methods and apparatuses for remodeling tissue of or adjacent to a body passage Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter. The catheter may include an elongate flexible catheter body. An expandable structure may be associated with the catheter body and may include a radially expandable balloon and a plurality of flexible circuits extending along an outer surface of the balloon. Each flexible circuit may include at least one electrode and at least one temperature sensor. The expandable structure may have an outer diameter of less than 4 mm when in an expanded configuration.
US09072899B1	Diaphragm pacemaker The application describes a diaphragm pacemaker that uses an implanted CO2 sensor to constantly monitor CO2 in the body and adjust the pace of breathing based on the amount of CO2. The sensor is preferably placed in tissue such as fat or muscle to sense CO2. The CO2 sensor and diaphragm pacemaker unit are preferably implanted in the shoulder or neck area so that the entire device may be implanted and connected to the body without invading the stomach or diaphragm area.
US09072898B2	System and methods for treating or supporting human joints or a portion of the human body Disclosed is a system including a good comprising a sensor in contact with human tissues of a patient and configured to obtain a power dissipation reading of the human tissues. The good also includes a storage medium for tangibly storing thereon a program for execution by a processor. The system also includes a control unit in communication with the good to form an electrical muscular stimulation (EMS) system that uses feedback in a closed loop manner to self tune electrical properties of the output. The control unit is configured to instruct the sensor to (a) apply a sense pulse to the human tissues, (b) measure power dissipation of the sense pulse, (c) adjust a stimulation pulse based on the measured power dissipation, (d) apply the stimulation pulse to the human tissues based on the power dissipation and based on the program in order to maintain constant power output across each pulse, and (e) repeat steps (a)-(d).
US09072895B2	Guided radiation therapy system A system and method for accurately locating and tracking the position of a target, such as a tumor or the like, within a body. In one embodiment, the system is a target locating and monitoring system usable with a radiation delivery source that delivers a selected doses of radiation to a target in a body. The system includes one or more excitable beacons positionable in or near the target, an external excitation source that remotely excites the beacons to produce an identifiable signal, and a plurality of sensors spaced apart in a known geometry relative to each other. A computer is coupled to the sensors and configured to use the beacon measurements to identify a target isocenter within the target. The computer compares the position of the target isocenter with the location of the machine isocenter. The computer also controls movement of the patient and a patient support device so the target isocenter is coincident with the machine isocenter before and during radiation therapy.
US09072892B2	Power supply for light-based dermatologic treatment device Switching power supplies made in accordance with the disclosed technology drive flash lamps of dermatologic treatment devices to emit a sequence of relatively small light pulses that are aligned with particular locations within the waveform of the AC line source. Such power supplies not only enable sufficient light energy in aggregate to therapeutically heat target chromophores in a skin region without causing undesired damage to surrounding tissue, but also provide the added benefit that the corresponding electrical energy need not be substantially drawn from any charged capacitor. The disclosed power supply further compensates for performance degradation of the flash lamps during their usable life, by modifying its operation based on predetermined values that are indicative of flash lamp aging/efficiency characteristics. The flash lamps and their associated stored values are preferably incorporated into a replaceable cartridge that facilitates user maintenance of the dermatologic treatment device.
US09072884B2	Differential diameter electrode A flexible transcutaneous electrical nerve and/or stimulation electrode includes a conductive fabric and a flexible conductive adhesive with a barrier portion surrounding a perimeter of the fabric for preventing extending and/or extendable frays of the fabric from extending exterior to the adhesive. An electrical lead wire interconnects the conductive fabric with an electrical stimulation device and a non-conductive sheet is disposed on another side of the conductive fabric for preventing undesirable electrical contact with the conductive fabric and providing a border seal.
US09072883B2	Battery-integrated iontophoresis patch The present invention relates to an iontophoresis patch integrated with a battery, more specifically to an iontophoresis patch integrated with a battery which adopts the principle of iontophoresis as a means for infiltrating a substance of interest such as a medication or a cosmetic substance into skin. The iontophoresis patch of the invention comprises: a variable-shape substrate; a first electroconductive layer coming into contact with the substrate; a first electrode layer coming into contact with a part of the first electroconductive layer; a second electroconductive layer which comes into contact with the substrate and which is disposed on the same as the first electroconductive layer; a collector coming into contact with the second electroconductive layer; an electroconductive adhesive coming into contact with the second electroconductive layer and with the collector; a second electrode layer coming into contact with the collector and having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode layer; an ion-conductive polymer electrolyte disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; and an adhesive for sealing the ion-conductive polymer electrolyte.
US09072881B2	Vascular access port An implantable infusion port comprising a non planar septum, a fluid reservoir of a substantially spherical shape, inlet means to access the reservoir, and optimized outlet means from the reservoir. The present invention provides for a reservoir that precludes angular junctions between portions of the reservoir which can lead to eddies, countercurrents, and stagnation, thereby creating a more laminar and efficient flow pattern within the reservoir.
US09072880B2	Subcutaneous vascular access ports and related systems and methods Ports for accessing a vessels within a patient include passageways that can guide needles or other access devices directly into the vessels. The ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient. Some ports may be used in the creation and use of vascular access buttonholes.
US09072876B2	Pump systems and methods for storing and dispensing a plurality of precisely measured unit-doses of imiquimod cream The present invention is directed to airless storage and dispensing systems that include a pump or dispensing package pre-filled with a topical semi-solid imiquimod pharmaceutical formulation (“pump systems”) and methods for storing and dispensing from the pump systems a plurality of precisely measured and uniform unit doses of a topical semi-solid imiquimod pharmaceutical formulation, and more particularly to pump systems, pre-filled with a topical imiquimod pharmaceutical cream and methods for delivering multiple precisely measured unit doses of a topical imiquimod pharmaceutical cream, and methods for using a controlled delivery pump system to store and dispense a plurality of consistent and precisely measured unit doses of a topical imiquimod pharmaceutical cream for use in topically treating a dermal and mucosal-associated condition, such as, external genital warts and/or perianal warts (EGWs), actinic keratosis or actinic keratoses (AK or AKs) and superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).
US09072872B2	Telescoping catheter delivery system for left heart endocardial device placement A transseptal catheter delivery system includes an elongate first tubular member and an elongate second tubular member receivable within the first tubular member. The first tubular member includes an adjustable portion adjacent a distal end. The second tubular member is adapted to receive an instrument to be placed in the left ventricle, and includes a curved portion adjacent its distal end in a relaxed state. The adjustable portion is deflectable toward the atrial septum to guide a puncturing tool and/or guide insertion of the second tubular member through a septal puncture into the left atrium. Within the left atrium, the curved portion is oriented toward the left ventricle to guide insertion of a guide wire, and subsequently the second tubular member, into the left ventricle. Methods of transvenously accessing a left ventricle are also provided.
US09072871B2	Methods and apparatus for securing a line Methods and apparatus for securing a medical or surgical line with respect to a patient are described. In particular, a fastener is described comprising an elongate braided tubular sleeve (110) for receiving the line therethrough, the sleeve having a first end for fixing adjacent to the patient, in use, and a second end for arranging, in use, proximal to medical equipment coupled to the line. The fastener also includes a first substantially rigid collar (112) coupled to the sleeve at the first end of the sleeve and a second substantially rigid collar (114) coupled to the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve. An enlarged flange (116) is provided, secured to the first collar (112) at the first end of the sleeve and an adhesive plaster (118) for securing the fastener with respect to a patient is provided, the adhesive plaster being secured to the enlarged flange (116).
US09072870B2	Sleep stage detection Therapy delivery to a patient may be controlled based on a determined sleep stage of the patient. In examples, the sleep stage may be determined based on a frequency characteristic of a biosignal indicative of brain activity of the patient. A frequency characteristic may include, for example, a power level within one or more frequency bands of the biosignal, a ratio of the power level in two or more frequency bands, or a pattern in the power level of one or more frequency bands over time. A therapy program may be selected or modified based on the sleep stage determination. Therapy may be delivered during the sleep stage according to the selected or modified therapy program. In some examples, therapy delivery may be controlled after making separate determinations of a sleep stage based on the biosignal and another physiological parameter, and confirming that the sleep stage determinations are consistent.
US09072864B2	Catheter with depth electrode for dual-purpose use A catheter assembly for intracranial treatment of a patient for facilitating concurrent electrical sensing and fluid flow is provided and includes an outer flexible tube having a proximal end, a principal lumen extending therealong to the proximal end, and at least one radial aperture through the wall communicating with the lumen as well as a secondary lumen adjacent to the tube outer-wall surface and extending therealong. The catheter assembly including a depth electrode within the secondary lumen, extending along the length thereof. The depth electrode having electrical contacts exposed to brain tissue along the flexible tube.
US09072862B2	Packaged ready-to-use product A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element. The activation of at least some of the hydrophilic coating occurs solely by reason of exposure of the outer surface of the catheter to a vapor produced by the vapor donating liquid. The distribution of the catheter following manufacture is delayed for a time sufficient to permit the vapor to complete hydration of the entire hydrophilic coating on the surface.
US09072858B2	Medical tube assemblies A tracheostomy tube assembly comprises an outer tube and an inner cannula. The machine end fitting of the outer tube has a bore of circular section interrupted by two flats. The machine end fitting of the inner cannula has an external surface shaped to fit within the fitting on the outer tube and also has two flats aligned with the flats on the outer tube fitting. Tubes of different sizes or other characteristics have flats with different orientations such that only inner cannulae suited for a particular outer tube can be inserted in the correct tube.
US09072857B2	Nasal delivery device A delivery device (20, 22) for and a method of delivering a substance to the nasal airway (1) of a subject, in particular the posterior region of the nasal airway, the delivery device comprising: a closure unit for causing the closure of the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and a delivery unit for delivering a gas flow entraining a substance to one of the nostrils of the subject at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the other nostril of the subject, wherein the delivery unit comprises a nosepiece (30, 40, 58, 82, 102, 132) which includes an outlet through which the gas flow is in use delivered to the one nostril and a sealing member for sealing the one nostril to the outlet such as in use to prevent the escape of the gas flow through the one nostril.
US09072854B2	Reservoir system for gas delivery to a patient A breathing system is provided that employs a reservoir for holding oxygen or an oxygen and medicine mixture while the patient is not inhaling. The reservoir generally prevents waste and reduces cost and helps prevent the patient from re-inhaling the previously exhaled gases.
US09072852B2	Breathing assistance apparatus A breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed, for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a patient. The breathing assistance apparatus includes a patient interface, having a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of a patient and a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to attach to the body section in a sealing manner and has a substantially thin section in at least its nasal bridge region. The thin section is substantially thinner than the rest of the outer sealing member.The patient interface comprises a mask body and a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a flexible seal, and a rigid seal clip, the seal assembly being removably attached to the mask body via the rigid seal clip. The mask body and rigid seal clip are profiled to match the contours of a user's face so that the seal has a substantially constant wall depth.
US09072851B2	Tracheal tube with facility to view inner cannula A tracheal tube assembly includes an outer cannula configured to be positioned in a patient airway and an inner cannula configured to be disposed inside the outer cannula. The tracheal tube assembly further includes a flange member secured about the outer cannula, and a connector coupled to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The connector is configured to provide a view of the inner cannula, and the inner cannula and the connector form a contiguous passageway for exchanging fluid with the patient airway in operation.
US09072850B2	Drug delivery A method and apparatus is disclosed for ejecting drug bearing material. The ejected material is ejected as liquid and liquid vapor via an explosive process which can provide a very fast ejection as well as an ejection which has a large throw. The apparatus can provide a nebulizer, inhaler or needleless injector.
US09072846B2	Medium dispenser A portable medium dispenser for discharging liquid, pasty or powdery media, having a housing with a discharge opening, a medium reservoir for accommodating the medium before discharge, and an actuating handle, by which a feeding process can be effected during which medium is fed from the medium reservoir to the discharge opening.The dispenser includes a detecting device for detecting a shaking movement, the detecting device including an optical or acoustic output device and being designed to transfer the output device from a first state into a second state in response to a manual shaking of the dispenser.
US09072842B2	Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.
US09072840B2	Cutting element for a retracting needle syringe A cutting element for a retracting needle syringe having a plunger with a cuttable distal end and a spring biased needle held by a cuttable support and a cutting element capable of cutting the cuttable distal end and the cuttable support includes a body portion having a proximal end, a distal end side wall therebetween and a passageway therethrough. The distal end of the body portion includes a cutting edge and a raised distally projecting tapered cutting tooth having distally converging edges. At least one tooth edge includes a sharp side wall for cutting the distal end of the plunger and the needle support.
US09072836B2	Drive mechanism for a drug delivery device and drug delivery device A lead screw, a lead screw nut and a drive member are aligned with an axis defining an axial direction and an opposite axial direction. A coupling between the lead screw and the lead screw nut allows a helical movement of the lead screw with respect to the lead screw nut at least in the axial direction. The lead screw is coupled with the drive member, the coupling generating a helical movement of the lead screw with respect to the drive member when the drive member is moved in the axial direction with respect to the lead screw. A dispense stop feature of the lead screw nut and a dispense stop feature of the drive member prevent the generation of the helical movement of the lead screw when a specified end position of the drive member is approached.
US09072835B2	Device for collecting samples A device for collecting dialysate samples has an inlet for receiving a flow of dialysate, a plurality of outlets for providing a flow of saturated dialysate, and means for sequential selection of one of the outlets. The sequential selection means are actuated only by the flow of dialysate received from the inlet. A system for peritoneal dialysis includes the device for collecting dialysate samples.
US09072832B2	Clustering of recorded patient neurological activity to determine length of a neurological event Apparatus and method detect a detection cluster that is associated with a neurological event, such as a seizure, of a nervous system disorder and update therapy parameters that are associated with a treatment therapy. The occurrence of the detection cluster is detected when the maximal ratio exceeds an intensity threshold. If the maximal ratio drops below the intensity threshold for a time interval that is less than a time threshold and subsequently rises above the intensity threshold, the subsequent time duration is considered as being associated with the detection cluster rather than being associated with a different detection cluster. Consequently, treatment of the nervous system disorder during the corresponding time period is in accordance with one detection cluster. Treatment therapy may be provided by providing electrical stimulation, drug infusion or a combination. Therapy parameters may be updated for each mth successive group of applications of the treatment therapy or for each nth detection cluster.
US09072831B2	Medical fluid pump valve integrity test methods and systems A valve integrity method for a medical fluid pump includes pumping fluid into the medical fluid pump while an outlet valve is closed and an inlet valve is open, closing the inlet valve while the outlet valve is closed, attempting to pump fluid out of the medical fluid pump while the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed, and determining that at least one of the valves is leaking if a change in medical fluid volume within the medical fluid pump is detected.
US09072829B2	Universal needlefree bag access device An attachment arrangement has a housing and a needle located within the housing. The arrangement allows administration ports of different sizes to be inserted into and secured within the housing. In certain embodiments, compliant retainers secure the administration port within the housing. In certain other embodiments, the administration port is secured within the housing when the housing is compressed against the administration port by a housing compression element. Once the administration port is secured within the housing, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the attachment device and the administration port.
US09072827B2	Fail safe point protector for needle safety flap A method and device are disclosed for preventing a needle stick hazard in the event of a collapse of a protective needle flap of a portable drug pump. The device may include a needle guide, a secure space and/or a shield. A point of a needle is optionally deflected into a secure space upon collapse of the protective flap. The space may optionally be shielded. Optionally, the support linking the needle to the pump may pivot and/or translate. Optionally, there may be an exposing position wherein the needle protrudes through an opening in the flap. Optionally, the opening may be non-circular.
US09072826B2	Non-stick medical tubing A non-stick medical tubing is provided. The non-stick tubing comprises a plastic resin mixture including a first plastic resin component and a second plastic resin component, the second plastic resin comprising a medical grade amide compound, the plastic resin mixture extruded by an extruding apparatus as a mono-layered tube such that the medical grade amide compound is present on an inner surface of the medical tube after extrusion to promote release of contacting surfaces of the inner surface of the medical tubing after contact.
US09072825B2	Catheter device The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.
US09072820B2	Polymer composite stent with polymer particles Polymer composite implantable medical devices, such as stents, and methods of manufacturing such devices are disclosed.
US09072812B2	Coating formulations for scoring or cutting balloon catheters The present invention is related to scoring or cutting balloon catheters carrying at least on a portion of their surface at least one oxidation-insensitive drug or oxidation-insensitive polymer-free drug preparation and at least one lipophilic antioxidant at a ratio of 3-100% by weight of the at least one lipophilic antioxidant in relation to 100% by weight of the drug, wherein the at least one oxidation-insensitive drug is selected of taxanes, thalidomide, statins, corticoids and lipophilic derivatives of corticoids, and the at least one lipophilic antioxidant is selected of nordihydroguaiaretic acid, resveratrol and propyl gallate.
US09072810B2	Implant for tissue engineering The present invention relates to uses of resorbable medical implants that are metallic or semi-metallic, to produce soft tissues, membranous tissues, organs or organ parts within the body by fibrosis. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implants are made of specified alloys or metals, e.g. magnesium and its alloys. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implant is surface modified. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implant is pre-implanted at another part of the body before implantation into the target site.
US09072800B2	Hand sanitizer A hand sanitizer (2) comprises: (a) a first part comprising a chlorite in an alcoholic medium having a first foam promoter dissolved therein and contained in a first foam dispenser (4) whereby it is dispensed as a first foam; and (b) a second part which comprises an acid in an alcoholic medium which has a second foam promoter dissolved therein and which is contained in a second foam dispenser (6) whereby it is dispensed as a second foam; wherein the chlorite and the acid will react to provide chlorine dioxide when the first foam is mixed with the second foam; and wherein a mixture (18) of equal quantities of the first part and the second part contains at least 50% alcohol by weight.
US09072796B2	Method for preparing deuterated diphenylurea Disclosed are an intermediate compound of N-(1,1,1-trideuterated methyl)phthalimide, and its use in the preparation of deuterated diphenylurea derivative.
US09072792B2	Peptides whose uptake by cells is controllable A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. X may be cleaved extracellularly or intracellularly. The molecules of the present invention may be linear, cyclic, branched, or have a mixed structure.
US09072791B2	Photostabilized pharmaceutical compositions A crosslinking reaction and a reaction for reducing molecular weight that take place in a hyaluronic acid-methotrexate conjugate upon irradiation with light are suppressed to improve the photostability of the conjugate. Specifically, a substance having a quenching effect and/or a radical scaveng effect is added to a pharmaceutical composition containing the hyaluronic acid-methotrexate conjugate.
US09072789B2	Nano-particle surface modification Oxide, oxysulfide, or phosphate host particles with a self-assembled organo-phosphonate monolayer covalently bonded thereto are disclosed. Methods for coating the host particles and use of rare earth ion-doped particles in imaging methods and photodynamic therapy methods are also disclosed.
US09072788B2	Prodrugs of NH-acidic compounds: ester, carbonate, carbamate and phosphonate derivatives The invention provides a method of sustained delivery of a lactam, imide, amide, sulfonamide, carbamate or urea containing parent drug by administering to a patient an effective amount of a prodrug compound of the invention wherein upon administration to the patient, release of the parent drug from the prodrug is sustained release. Prodrug compounds suitable for use in the methods of the invention are labile conjugates of parent drugs that are derivatized through carbonyl linked prodrug moieties. The prodrug compounds of the invention can be used to treat any condition for which the lactam, imide, amide, sulfonamide, carbamate or urea containing parent drug is useful as a treatment.
US09072776B2	Anti-cancer combination treatment and kit-of-parts In one aspect the present invention relates to pharmaceutical kits of parts suitable for treating neoplastic diseases such as cancer comprising an anti-cancer medicament, a Basidiomycete bioactive agent in solid or liquid form, and, optionally instructions for a dosing regime.
US09072775B2	Fluorescent emulsions for optical imaging The invention relates to a fluorescent emulsion, to a diagnostic reagent containing the same, and to the use thereof in the preparation of a diagnostic reagent for in vivo fluorescence imaging.
US09072774B2	Porphyrin nanovesicles The application relates to a nanovesicle comprising a bilayer of at least 15 mol % porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate, wherein the conjugate comprises a porphyrin, porphyrin derivative or porphyrin analog covalently attached to the phospholipid side chain. The nanovesicle can be used for photothermal therapy, photoacoustic imaging, and fluorescence imaging. The application also discloses a method of preparing the said nanovesicle.
US09072773B2	Compositions for labeling nerves and methods of use The present invention provides methods for guiding preservation of neurons or nerves during surgery by administering a fluorescently-labeled peptide that associates with (e.g., specifically binds to) the neurons or nerves. The invention further provides targeting molecules of fluorescently-labeled peptides or aptamers that associate with (e.g., specifically bind to) neurons or nerves and for compositions thereof.
US09072770B2	Aqueous extracts of Anoectochilus spp. kinsenoside and pharmaceutical compositions useful for hepatoprotection A pharmaceutical composition useful for hepatoprotection is provided. The composition comprises an effective amount of kinsenoside or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. An aqueous extract of Anoectochilus spp. is also provided. The extract is substantially free of ethyl acetate-philic components.
US09072769B2	Wolfberries and skin inflammation The present invention relates in general to the field of inflammation. In particular the present invention relates to the use of natural compounds for the preparation of a product to treat or prevent inflammation. For example an extract of wolfberry was shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. One embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of a primary composition comprising wolfberries or a part thereof for the preparation of a product to treat or prevent inflammation.
US09072763B2	Methods and compositions for treating inflammatory bowel disease The present disclosure provides improved compositions comprising rifabutin, clarithromycin, and clofazimine for use in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. In one instance, the compositions may comprise a formulation of rifabutin, clarithromycin, and clofazimine in a single dosage form, such as a capsule, tablet, etc., with one or more specific excipients.
US09072762B2	Natural composition to decrease effects of a high fat diet The combination of gallic acid, ellagic acid, and rubusoside was shown to inhibit angiogenesis by inhibition of pro-angiogenic factors. These three compounds were shown to be absorbed from the intestine making the compounds orally bioavailable. The ratio of the three compounds in the composition was a weight ratio of approximately 1:1.7:17.0 of gallic acid, ellagic acid, and rubusoside, respectively, resulting in a composition with 5% w/w gallic acid, 9% w/w ellagic acid, and 86% w/w rubusoside. This combination was also shown to reduce weight gain, fat accumulation, and serum cholesterol in mammals fed a high fat diet. It also reduced serum triglycerides and tended to reduce blood glucose in mammals on both normal and high fat diets. This three-compound composition (“GER”) can be used to treat diseases associated with angiogenesis and to decrease effects of a high fat diet.
US09072761B2	Methods and compositions related to viral inhibition Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods related to viral inhibition. In some forms, the compounds, compositions and methods are related to binding RNA.
US09072760B2	TLR4 inhibitors for the treatment of human infectious and inflammatory disorders The present invention relates to methods of treating infectious, inflammatory and post-traumatic disorders by administering various compounds newly discovered to have TLR4 inhibitory activity. In addition to methods of treatment, the present invention further provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, together with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier. Because TLR4 is the most upstream receptor in the pro-inflammatory LPS signaling cascade, treatments of the invention, which inhibit or antagonize TLR4 action, may avoid the pitfalls associated with other cytokine inhibitors that act further down the pathway and accordingly play a less specific (and perhaps non-critical) role.
US09072759B2	Biodefenses using triazole-containing macrolides Use of macrolide and ketolide antibiotics for the treatment of acute exposure and diseases caused by biodefense pathogens is described.
US09072758B2	Cyclic amide derivative [Problem]To provide a GPR40 activating agent having, as an active ingredient, a novel compound having a GPR40 agonist action, a salt of the compound, a solvate of the salt or the compound, or the like, particularly, an insulin secretagogues and a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent against diabetes, obesity, or the like.[Means of solving the problem]A compound of Formula (III): (where f is 0 to 2; g is 1 to 4; j is 0 to 3; k is 0 to 2; n is 0 to 2; p is 0 to 4; h is 0 to 3; q1 id 0 to 3; q2 is 0 or 1; r1 is 0 to 2 (with the proviso that q1+q2+r1 is 0 to 5); J1a is —CR11a—, N; J2 is —CR12aR12b—, —CR12c—; T is —CH2—, O, —S(O)i— (i is an integer of 0 to 2) or —NR7—; X is O, S, or —NR7—; ring A′″ is a benzene ring, a pyridine ring; ring B′ is a benzene ring, a pyridine ring, a pyrimidine ring; and R1 to R14 are specific groups), a salt of the compound, or a solvate of the salt or the compound.
US09072755B2	Hypotonic aqueous composition with reduced chloride content, with or without phospholipids An aqueous composition for application in a method for surgical or therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body or in a diagnostic procedure which is practiced on the human or animal body, the composition comprising osmotically active particles and containing less than 70 μl−1 of amniotic cells, the osmolarity of the composition being in the range from 240.0 mosm/l to less than 308.0 mosm/l, and the chloride ion concentration in the composition being not more than 130.0 mmol/l. An aqueous composition for application with an amniotic infusion, the composition containing less than 70 μl−1 of amniotic cells and comprising at least one surfactant, is also disclosed.
US09072746B2	Method for enhancing learning and memory impaired by neurodegenerative disorders and compounds and compositions for effecting the same A method for enhancing learning or memory of both in a mammal having impaired learning or memory of both from a neuro-degenerative disorder, which entails the step of administering at least one compound or a salt thereof which is a β1-adrenergic receptor agonist, partial agonist or receptor ligand in an amount effective to improve the learning or memory or both of said mammal.
US09072745B2	Use of Salvia miltiorrhiza composition in preparing drugs for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease Provided is the use of a Salvia Miltiorrhiza composition in preparing drugs for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, and particularly the use of the Salvia Miltiorrhiza composition in preparing drugs for secondary prevention of stable angina type coronary heart disease and the reduction of serious vascular events.
US09072738B2	Chemically and metabolically stable dipeptide possessing potent sodium channel blocker activity A very stable, selective and renally safe sodium channel blocker represented by the formula: The invention also includes a variety of compositions, combinations and methods of treatment using this inventive sodium channel blocker.
US09072737B2	tPA mutant in the treatment of acute brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders The invention relates to tPA mutant devoid of protease activity and uses thereof in compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of pathologic conditions involving neurological injury or an ischemic disease or condition. More specifically, the invention relates to a Ser481 to Ala mutant of tPA and to compositions and combinations thereof for the treatment of stroke, acute brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders. The invention further provides methods and kits for the treatment of said disorders.
US09072736B2	Treatment of pain Use of a therapeutic molecule, for the treatment of specific pain conditions, wherein the therapeutic molecule is a single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment can cleave a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that can bind to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site can undergo endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; and a translation domain that can translocate the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent.
US09072732B2	Indication for use of niacin (nicotinic acid) for treatment and reversal of fatty liver disease Niacin prevents and/or reverses the development of experimental hepatic steatosis, deposition of triglycerides in liver and serum of individuals, deposition of total cholesterol in liver and serum in individuals, and inhibit liver lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in individuals at risk of developing fatty liver disease or NAFLD. In cultured human hepatocytes, niacin inhibits alcohol-induced fat accumulation.
US09072729B2	Method for treating fibrosis and cancer with imidazolium and imidazolinium compounds There is presently provided methods for delivering an anti-fibrotic or anti-cancer agent to a cell. The methods comprise contacting a cell with an effective amount of imidazolium and imidazolinium compounds as described herein, including imidazolium and imidazolinium salts.
US09072728B2	Treatment of severe distal colitis This invention relates to methods and materials involved in the treatment of diseases with severe distal colitis component, and more specifically non-fungal and/or non-microbial induced mucositis of the distal intestinal tract. Kits and pharmaceutical compositions for medical treatments also are provided.
US09072726B2	Methods of treating or preventing inflammation and hypersensitivity with oxidative reductive potential water solution Provided is a method for preventing or treating inflammation and associated states (e.g. infection, hypersensitivity, pain) by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an oxidative reduction potential (ORP) water solution that is stable for at least about twenty-four hours. The ORP water solution administered in accordance with the invention can be combined with one or more suitable carriers and can be administered in conjunction with one or more additional therapeutic agents.
US09072724B2	Collagen hydrolysate for use to improve the health of human skin, hair and/or nails The invention relates to a collagen hydrolysate for use to improve the health of human skin, hair and/or nails, at least 90% by weight of the collagen hydrolysate having a molecular weight of less than 3,500 Da and the collagen hydrolysate comprising at least four characteristic peptides with a molecular weight between 600 and 1,200 Da.
US09072723B2	Medical device with coating that promotes endothelial cell adherence The invention relates to a method for healing blood vessels by stimulating the formation of a confluent endothelial autologous cell layer in vivo on an implantable metallic stent having a lumen and a luminal surface, and an exterior surface. More specifically, the method includes implanting the stent with a coating in a patient in need of thereof; wherein the coating includes one or more layers of a matrix covalently adherent on said luminal and exterior surface of said stent containing one or more pharmaceutical substances on said exterior surface and a therapeutically effective amount of a single type of antibody, antibody fragments or combinations thereof being compatible to binding selectively to a specific cell surface antigen of circulating autologous endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood. In addition, genetically engineered endothelial progenitor cells can be captured on said luminal surface of stent in vivo, to proliferate to form rapidly a confluent endothelium in situ.
US09072721B2	Composition for preventing or treating immune-related disease and oxidative-stress-related disease The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating an immune-related disease, and, more specifically, relates to a composition for preventing or treating immune-related diseases or oxidative-stress-related diseases in which the toxicity of an arsenic compound is effectively suppressed while the immune function boosting effect thereof is nevertheless maximized. The composition according to the present invention is useful in preventing or treating various immune-related diseases or oxidative-stress-related diseases since the composition reduces the toxicity of arsenic compounds, which traditionally have been difficult to use in clinical practice due to toxicity, while nevertheless maximizing the pharmacological effects thereof.
US09072719B2	Somatic stem cells A method of treating brain tissue damage or a neurodegenerative disease in a subject by obtaining from a subject a bodily fluid sample containing a plurality of cells, incubating the sample with EDTA or heparin in a container until the sample is separated into an upper layer and a lower layer, collecting the upper layer, isolating from the upper layer a population of somatic stem cells that are 0.3-6.0 micrometers in size, and administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the somatic stem cells.
US09072712B2	Synergistic antimicrobial preparations containing chlorite and hydrogen peroxide An anti-microbial preservative for use in ophthalmic and dermatologic products. The preservative includes from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Additionally, the preservative does not generate chlorine dioxide within the pH range of 5.0-8.8. Also included are an antimicrobial ophthalmic and dermatologic compositions for direct application onto an eye or skin of a living being including from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Also included are methods for treating dryness of the eyes and skin disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, psoriasis, etc.) and for disinfecting and cleansing contact lenses while in place upon an eye by applying the composition to the eye or to the contact lens.
US09072703B2	Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide analogues A series of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide analog compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and the use of the GIP polypeptide analog compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for the treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.
US09072688B2	Compositions and methods for therapeutic delivery with frozen particles Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US09072683B2	Use of xanthan gum as a hair fixative The present invention is directed to the use of xanthan gum, particularly heat treated xanthan gum, as a fixative in hair cosmetic compositions. Xanthan gum is advantageous in that it may be used with other hair fixatives and provides rheology modifying and other properties including excellent stiffness, gloss, dry comb, wet comb, non-flake, anti-static, feel and high humidity curl retention.
US09072682B2	Transdermal dosage form for low-melting point active agent A drug-containing patch allows transdermal administration of a drug. The patch features a hydrophobic reservoir containing the drug, where the reservoir has a first surface and a second surface. A drug-impermeable backing overlies the first surface of the reservoir. A release sheet may overlie the second surface of the reservoir. The hydrophobic reservoir contains a drug and a hydrophobic matrix, where the hydrophobic matrix includes a hydrophobic filler in an amount which is effective to adsorb said drug; and a mixture of polyisobutylene and mineral oil. The hydrophobic matrix may contain hydrophobic colloidal silica as the hydrophobic filler.The hydrophobic reservoir layer may serve as a skin-contacting adhesive layer. Alternatively, a release-controlling adhesive layer may serve as the skin-contacting adhesive layer. The release-controlling adhesive layer may contain hydrophobic colloidal silica and a mixture of polyisobutylene and mineral oil.
US09072680B2	Compositions comprising methylphenidate complexed with ion-exchange resin particles Pharmaceutical compositions of methylphenidate complexed with ion-exchange resin particles to form drug-resin particles are provided. The compositions have a first plurality of drug-resin particles that are uncoated and a second plurality of drug-resin particles that are coated with a delayed release coating. Preferably, the second plurality of drug-resin particles are coated with a triggered-release coating triggered by a pH change and a diffusion barrier coating.
US09072679B2	Particles of tetracyclines and protecting agent Particles containing a tetracycline or one of its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and an antioxidant, formulations containing the same and their use in the treatment of infectious diseases are described. Methods of encapsulation of a tetracycline or one of its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and an antioxidant are also disclosed.
US09072678B2	Methods for local drug delivery by microinjection This invention provide novel compositions, methods and devices for sustained drug delivery. The microencapsulated sustained drug delivery compositions are deposited using oscillating needle apparatus oscillating at 10-12000 minutes per minutes. The injected compositions may undergo variety of physical chemical changes upon deposition. The physical and chemical changes enables improved drug encapsulation and sustained drug release. Also described are new methods to form polymer microparticles or polymer films/implants in situ inside the tissue. The invention also describes colored biodegradable microparticle based compositions wherein the compositions comprise drug encapsulated microparticles and coloring agent encapsulated microparticles mixed in any proportion. Medical applications of the compositions and methods described in this invention are also described.
US09072676B2	Cyclohexyl carbamate compounds as skin and/or hair lightening actives The present invention relates to the cosmetic, dermatological or therapeutic use of certain cyclohexyl carbamate compounds of formula (I) given below, preferably as skin and/or hair lightening (whitening) actives. The invention further relates to compositions and cosmetic, dermatological or therapeutic products comprising one or more compounds of formula (I) suitable for lightening human skin and/or hair and corresponding methods. The invention further relates to compounds of formula (I) as a drug, their use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for lightening human skin and/or hair and to novel compounds of formula (I) wherein A denotes wherein X, Y and Z independently of one another denote hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl or C2-C4 -alkenyl, wherein optionally two of the radicals X, Y and Z are covalently bonded to one another under formation of a bicyclic ring system, in such a bicyclic ring system two of the radicals X, Y and Z together preferably form a radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, B denotes NR1R2, wherein R1 denotes hydrogen or an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 denotes an organic radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and wherein optionally R1 and R2 are covalently bonded to one another, preferably so that B is a 3 to 8 membered ring.
US09072673B2	Method for measurably improving oral health A composition for measurably improving oral health, a system including the composition, a method of using the composition and system, and a method of forming the composition and system are disclosed. The composition is a gel that maintains contact with a portion of an oral cavity for an extended period of time to, for example, prevent or reduce plaque and calculus buildup. The system includes a composition and a container encapsulating the composition. The composition is applied by rupturing the container and applying the composition through the ruptured portion of the container. In exemplary embodiments, the methods, systems and kits disclosed herein are suitable for measurably reducing an amount of gingivitis, periodontitis, bleeding, plaque and/or tartar.
US09072665B2	Therapeutic composition with enhanced endothelium targeting A composition that includes nanoparticles with binding affinity for platelets, and methods for using this composition to treat vascular disease are disclosed.
US09072656B2	Propofol formulations with non-reactive container closures A container storing an anesthetic is disclosed. The container is sealed by a closure and stores a liquid anesthetic solution. The anesthetic is from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the liquid anesthetic solution. The container is made of a material that is inert to the anesthetic and the closure is made of siliconized rubber or a metal. A concentration of the anesthetic in a liquid anesthetic solution stored in the container following a predetermined time period is at least 93% of a concentration of the anesthetic in a liquid anesthetic solution before the liquid anesthetic solution is stored in the container.
US09072651B1	Personal apparatus for sexual stimulation An apparatus and method for sexual stimulation that includes a handheld driving member and an insertive member that is tipped with an insertive sexual device that moves in response to a user's movement of the driving member. The two members are coupled by a rotating or tilting coupling mechanism with which a user may control the motion of the insertive device with great precision. The coupling device couples the driving member to the insertive member in such a way as to translate a movement of the driving member to an analogous movement of the insertive member that the two movements are equivalent or proportional in amplitude, acceleration, and velocity, but mechanically out of phase. Variations allow the apparatus to be used simultaneously by two users, or provide features by which a user may customize the scale or direction of the insertive device's motion.
US09072644B2	Premature neonate closed life support system A magnetically permeable neonate transport capsule (MPNTC) for transporting a premature neonate from a host infant incubator having a steady environmental condition to an MRD. The MPNTC has at least one first normally open configuration when the capsule is disposed within the incubator and a second closed configuration for removal, transportation, insertion, measurement and vice versa within an MRD device. The MPNTC includes an environmental control system thereby adapted to maintain continuous attachment of the neonate with life support connection lines. The MPNTC is further adapted to maintain environmental conditions substantially similar to the host infant incubator environmental condition when the MPNTC is transported from the incubator to the MRD device.
US09072639B2	Pad, in paticular for a mattress in the nursing care and hospital sector A pad, in particular for a mattress in the nursing care and hospital sector has a liquid-impermeable and elastic lower layer and a liquid-permeable and elastic upper layer arranged on the lower layer. The lower layer and the upper layer are surrounded by an outer casing, which has a liquid-impermeable outer casing lower part facing the lower layer and a liquid-permeable outer casing upper part facing the upper layer. The pad is very comfortable to lie and/or sit on and has a high degree of breathability. Moreover, the pad is easy to clean and can accordingly be reprocessed frequently. The pad can be easily and economically retrofitted to improve the lying comfort and the breathability of existing mattresses.
US09072634B2	Disposable absorbent article with substantially continuously distributed absorbent particulate polymer material and method A disposable absorbent core comprises first and second absorbent layers each comprising an absorbent particulate polymer material such that the absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across an absorbent particulate polymer material area. A disposable absorbent article and method for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.
US09072632B2	Disposable pull-on garment An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region. The absorbent article has a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The waist portion has a belt portion that has a front belt portion having elastomeric material and a back belt portion having elastomeric material. The front belt portion has a first elastic section and a second elastic section, each section having force zones. The back belt portion has a third elastic section and a fourth elastic section, each section having force zones. The force zones in the portions alternate between a high force zone and a low force zone in at least one belt portion.
US09072631B2	Absorbent article with leaking-prevention units having elastic members A leakage-preventing unit 50 of an absorbent article 1 is formed by elastic members 51 and sheets 52. The leakage-preventing unit 50 includes a central region C and a pair of end unit regions S positioned outside a longitudinal direction L from the central region C.The elastic members 51 includesa fixed unit 51A fixed to the sheet 52 in a state when the elastic members 51 extend in the longitudinal direction L and a free end 51B positioned outside the longitudinal direction L from the fixed unit 51A, which is not fixed to the sheet 52. The end unit regions S includes a joint processing unit 53A in which a joint process for joining the portions where the sheets 52 face each other is performed and a non-joint processing unit 53B in which the joint process is not performed. The free end 51B is arranged in the non-joint processing unit 53B.
US09072628B2	Shutter press compressor An apparatus for compressing a material includes a plurality of levers and a plurality of jaws, wherein each jaw is attached to a lever, and wherein each jaw has a compression surface having an area. The apparatus also includes a compressing mechanism configured to move each lever in a non-linear motion such that the area of a compression surface exposed to the material decreases with the inward movement of that compression surface. Each jaw can be attached to a lever such that a gap is defined between adjacent jaws, the gap having a gap centerline. The compressing mechanism can be configured to move each jaw in a non-linear motion such that the gap centerline of the gap between adjacent jaws is predominantly tangential to an apparatus central longitudinal axis.
US09072625B2	Easy access bandages, packaging, and systems for application Provided are a bandage wrappers and bandage application systems with a first wrapper element and a second wrapper element; whereby the first wrapper element and the second wrapper element at least partially enclose an individual bandage and are separable in contact to completely enclose the bandage such that when the first and second wrapper elements are pulled in opposite directions the first and second elements separate to partially expose the bandage in a ready-to-apply state.
US09072624B2	Luminal stenting A stent delivery system can include a core member, first and second restraints, and a stent engagement component. The core member can have a distal segment. The first and second restraints can be coupled to the core member distal segment and axially spaced apart from each other to provide an axial gap. The first and second restraints can each have an outer profile that tapers radially inwardly in directions away from the gap. The stent engagement component can be at least partially disposed in the axial gap between the first and second restraints such that the component is slidably and rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment.
US09072623B2	Loading and delivery of self-expanding stents A method of deploying a stent includes providing a delivery system with the stent loaded in a reduced diameter configuration between an inner catheter and an outer sheath, the stent including a covering positioned on a luminal wall surface thereof, the inner catheter including a radially outwardly extending protrusion that extends into the covering but does not intersect a plane along the stent luminal wall surface, advancing the delivery system to a stenting site, and withdrawing the outer sheath to deploy the stent at the stenting site.
US09072617B2	Prosthetic device, system and method for increasing vacuum attachment A prosthetic device, system and method is arranged to generate negative pressure inside a prosthetic socket. A pump mechanism is connected to a prosthetic foot and has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket during gait for drawing air from the prosthetic socket in step phase, and expelling air into the atmosphere in swing phase. The vacuum assisted suspension results in secure and intimate suspension as the negative pressure formed inside the prosthetic socket holds a residuum firmly to walls of the prosthetic socket. The vacuum is preferably formed at the distal area of the prosthetic socket, and sealed by a suspension liner having a seal component.
US09072616B2	Device for moving and holding of a finger tip A method for movement of at least a finger limb whereby, in order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied with a current. In order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied the with less energy than the current which is supplied to the electric motor for moving the finger limb.
US09072611B2	Sealing sheath for prosthetic liner and related methods The sealing sheath is for use with a prosthetic socket and associated liner. The sealing sheath includes a textile tube for surrounding at least a portion of a liner that is configured to wear on a residual limb. An annular seal, e.g. an elastomeric or silicone seal, is positioned adjacent a proximal end of the textile tube and continuously extends from an inside of the textile tube configured to be adjacent the liner, through the textile tube to an outside thereof configured to be adjacent an inside of the prosthetic socket. The annular seal may include a first wing on an inside of the textile tube configured to be adjacent the liner, a second wing on an outside of the textile tube configured to be adjacent an inside of the prosthetic socket, and a base connecting lower ends of the first and second wings to define a v-shaped cross-section of the annular seal.
US09072606B2	Lockable knee implants and related methods Total knee replacements for hinged knee implants include a tibial member, a femoral member, a hinge assembly having a laterally extending axle configured to hingedly attach the femoral member to the tibial member, and a lock mechanism in communication with the hinge assembly. The lock mechanism is configured to (i) lock the femoral member in alignment with the tibial member for a full extension or other defined stabile walking configuration to thereby allow an arthrodesis or stiff knee gait and (ii) unlock to allow the femoral and tibial members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending when not ambulating.
US09072602B2	Transcatheter valve prosthesis having a variable shaped cross-section for preventing paravalvular leakage A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding tubular stent component and a prosthetic valve disposed within and secured to the stent component. The tubular stent component has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions. In a compressed delivery configuration, the tubular stent component has a generally circular cross-section along its length. In an expanded deployed configuration, the proximal and distal portions have a generally circular cross-section while the intermediate portion of the stent component has a generally triangular cross-section with three vertexes that are configured to project into three commissural points of a native valve when the valve prosthesis is implanted in situ. The generally triangular transverse cross-section of the valve prosthesis is formed by pulling or extending selected or particular struts of the stent component radially outwards and then applying heat to heat-set the stent component in the deployed configuration.
US09072601B2	Intraocular lens insertion device An intraocular lens insertion device having a novel configuration, capable of more accurately arranging front and back surfaces of an intraocular lens in a proper direction. The intraocular lens insertion device is adapted in such a manner that the intraocular lens is set on a stage in a state placed flat with a pair of haptics extended facing front and back sides in a movement direction by a plunger. Also, an interfering acting part is provided to an insertion tube part, and the interfering acting part interferes with the haptic, which is extended facing the front side in the movement direction of the intraocular lens moved by the plunger, to apply on the haptic an external force toward the back side in the movement direction. Thus, the interfering acting part curves and deforms the haptic to a side approaching an optical portion.
US09072600B2	Curvature changing accommodative intraocular lens A curvature changing accommodative intraocular lens for implantation into the eye of a patient includes a lens body having a base lens which has a base lens power, and a haptic structure including haptic elements projecting from the base lens. An actuator is placed into engagement with the lens body, and includes actuator haptic elements. At least one fluidic optical element is received between the actuator and base lens of the lens body and contains a fluid material therein. During accommodation of the patient's eye, the haptic elements of the lens body and actuator are engaged and apply a force to the fluidic optical element, causing the fluidic optical element to be deformed to generate an additional lens power to adjust the patient's vision.
US09072594B2	Dynamic traction apparatus A dynamic traction apparatus is provided. A mounting portion includes a mounting portion that is configured to support a channel frame thereon. The channel frame includes one or more channels that extend along a length thereof and one or more corresponding resilient members positioned adjacent the channels. A bridge mount extends distally from the mounting portion and including a bridge extending transverse to a longitudinal axis defined through the mounting portion. The bridge includes one or more wheels disposed in substantial alignment with the channel(s) of the channel frame such that a coupling member extending through the channel(s) and coupled to the resilient member(s) is/are selectively coupleable to a finger of a patient.
US09072592B2	Methods for producing and using silk nanofiber nerve conduits The present invention relates to a silk nanofiber nerve conduit characterized in that fibroin nanofibers having a diameter of 200 to 400 nm, originated from silk fiber, are stacked layer upon layer to form a porous conduit-shape; and a method for producing thereof, more specifically, to a method for producing a silk nanofiber nerve conduit comprising: (Step 1) preparing a fibrous spinning solution; (Step 2) producing a silk nanofiber of conduit-shape by electrospinning the fibrous spinning solution prepared in step 1 into the cylindrical collecting part coated with polyethyleneoxide; and (Step 3) separating a silk nanofiber of conduit-shape produced in step 2 from the collecting part. The silk nanofiber nerve conduit of the present invention has excellent biocompatibility; allows the body fluid to be exchanged inter in and out of conduit through pores of the conduit, as well; has a proper elasticity, tensile strength, and tear strength. Due to these properties, the silk nanofiber nerve conduit of the present invention helps the regeneration of the nerve injury to recover a motor skill and a sensory function, and thus shows an excellent effect of nerve regeneration. Therefore, the silk nanofiber nerve conduit of the present invention can be used in treating a nerve injury instead of an existing synthetic polymeric nerve conduit.
US09072591B2	Micro-current sensing auto-adjusting heater system for eye-shield Eye-shield condensation prevention system for use in a ski goggle, dive mask, medical or testing face shield or the like, that prevents undesirable hot spots on the eye-shield and maintains constant heat, with the ability to compensate for variations in resistance encountered from one eye-shield region to another, and/or one eye-shield to another, comprising a power source, a pulse-width modulator, a microcomputer, a heating element, and a sensing circuit. The microcomputer uses the sensing circuit to sense voltage and determine a value of resistance of the heating element. The microcomputer then uses this value to adjust the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulator, and may employ a two-dimensional table in assisting calculation. Multiple pulse-width modulators may be employed that correspond to a plurality of eye-shield regions and a corresponding plurality of heating elements.
US09072588B2	Selectable varied control valve systems for IOP control systems A selectable IOP valve for implantation in an eye of a patient controls IOP and/or bleb pressure. The valve includes a drainage tube configured to convey aqueous from an anterior chamber of an eye and includes a selectable flow control valve in fluid communication with the drainage tube and configured to control flow rates of the aqueous. The valve system includes a plurality of flow control pathways arranged to operate in parallel with each other, each of the flow control pathways being in communication with an entry port to the valve system. A flow control mechanism controls aqueous flow through the pathways. Methods and systems are also disclosed.
US09072587B2	Surgical variable-angle illuminator A variable-angle, wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment being a small-gauge, variable-angle illumination surgical system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical assembly, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and providing the light beam to illuminate a surgical field; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece and optical assembly, for housing and directing the optical assembly to illuminate a selected area, such as a surgical site. The optical assembly can comprise, for example, a fiber/polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal (“PDLC”) diffuser optically coupled to an optical needle or a nested compound parabolic concentrator (“CPC”) cone. In the PDLC diffuser/needle embodiment, the fiber can be a standard endo-illuminator optical fiber with 0.50 NA or similar value. The light beam from the light source is emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber and provided to the PDLC diffuser for further transmission. The degree of diffusion of the light beam at the PDLC diffuser can be electrically controlled and can be varied from no diffusion to very high degree of diffusion. After passing through the PDLC diffuser, the light beam is provided to a needle or fiber, such as a glass needle or fiber, that transmits the light beam to the surgical site in the eye.
US09072583B2	Intragastric volume-occupying device and method for fabricating same Intragastric volume-occupying devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. The devices, which are inflated by carbon dioxide, include an aluminum or silicon oxide barrier layer providing carbon dioxide retention and an alkylene vinyl alcohol polymer layer providing structural integrity in vivo.
US09072578B2	Intra-vaginal device for fecal incontinence An intra-vaginal device for the control of stool passage, including a body mechanism for securing the device around the area of the pubic notch and in the area of the posterior fornix, the body mechanism including a force applying mechanism for reversibly applying a force to a posterior portion of the vagina to occlude the rectum. A method of controlling the passage of stool in a patient, by inserting an intra-vaginal device into the patient's vagina such that an anterior end rests around the pubic notch and a posterior end rests in the posterior fornix, exerting a force towards the posterior side of the vagina, moving an anterior wall of the patient's rectum towards the posterior wall of the rectum with the force applying portion, impeding the passage of stool, and removing the force, allowing stool to pass.
US09072577B1	Portable medical cooling assembly A cooling assembly is provided for cooling selected parts of the body of a patient to treat hyperthermia or to induce mild hypothermia in the treatment of strokes. The assembly includes a self-contained cooling unit containing a water supply, a battery operated refrigeration unit and circulating pump. A cooling member is connected to the cooling unit and is adapted for receiving cooled water and contacting selected parts of the patient to cool the patient. The cooling member can be a vest, wrap, blanket, chair, hood or cap.
US09072572B2	Dental light device A light device includes a body and a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing. The tip includes a light engine that is operable for emitting light positioned at a distal end of the tip. A power supply circuit is positioned in the housing and coupled to the light engine. The power supply circuit is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. A non-imaging element is coupled with the light engine at the distal end.
US09072571B2	Handpiece having an electrical connection means A dental handpiece (1) includes a head (2) suitable for driving a tool, a body (3) having a proximal section (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (I-I) and intended to be connected, by a proximal end surface (5), to a distal surface of a drive motor, an indexing device (8) suitable for rotatably positioning the body (3) of the dental handpiece (1) about the longitudinal direction (I-I) relative to the drive motor, an electric device (9) for lighting the working area of the tool, and a device (10) for supplying electric power to the electric lighting device (9). The indexing device (8) is retractable or set back from the proximal end surface (5), and the electric supply device (10) includes a retractable electrical connection device (11).
US09072568B2	Orthodontic supporting member A support member for correcting tooth irregularities is provided. The support member includes: a main body that extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a hook portion formed on an end portion thereof; and a plurality of leg portions each of which extends in a radial direction from a central portion of the main body and has a through-hole formed in an end portion thereof, wherein each of the plurality of leg portions is obliquely formed with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body. The support member may be simply fixed to a palatine bone by fixing a fixing screw to the palatine bone without cutting a mucus membrane and may maintain a stable fixed state because the plurality of leg portions are fixed in an area other than a midpalatal suture area.
US09072564B2	Hammer toe implant and method An implant is disclosed including an elongate threaded portion and a blade portion extending from the elongate threaded portion. The blade portion has a taper terminating at a point.
US09072560B2	Implant removal aid for use with implants utilizing a data carrier A storage system for packaging and storing medical devices with associated data carriers, or tags that can be used for tracking inventory levels and uses of an implant. The storage system includes at least one medical device, and at least one data carrier secured to the at least one medical device, the data carrier including an enlarged substantially planar surface. The storage system further includes a storage device having one or more cavities adapted to receive the medical device and data carrier, each cavity including a cut-out positioned at least partially beneath the enlarged substantially planar surface that allows at least a portion of the enlarged substantially planar surface to pass at least partially there-through.
US09072559B2	Universal length screw design and cutting instrument An adjustable length bone screw is provided that has a shaft that can be cut at any of several predetermined positions. The adjustable length bone screws can be provided in a kit containing many bone screws having the same or different initial lengths, and these screws can be cut to the desired length for use in the surgical procedure prior to, or during, the surgical procedure. The adjustable length bone screws have a plurality of threaded shaft sections that are separated by a plurality of unthreaded shaft sections along the length of the shaft. The threaded sections have preferably at least two cutting flutes extending longitudinally along the shaft. The invention provides the adjustable length bone screws, a tool for cutting the bone screws to a desired length, kits containing the bone screws and optionally the cutting tool, and methods for using the screws and/or the cutting tool in preparation for or during a surgical procedure.
US09072558B2	Distal radius fracture fixation plate with ulnar buttress A distal volar fixation plate includes a body portion and a head portion angled upwards relative to the body portion. The head portion includes a lower surface, a central portion, a radial side and an ulnar side. The head portion defines a buttress portion extends greater distally on the ulnar side than on the radial side to support the volar lip of the lunate fossa.
US09072557B2	Modular hook plate assembly A hook plate assembly includes a bone plate extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and including an upper surface facing away from a bone, a bone contacting surface, a plate hole extending therethrough from the upper surface to the bone contacting surface and a connection section arranged at the second end. The plate hole is sized and shaped to receive a bone fixation element therethrough in combination with a hook including a connecting portion configured to connect the hook to the connection section of the bone plate and a fastening element releasably coupling the hook to the bone plate.
US09072551B2	Surgical instrument A surgical instrument includes an implant, which may include a cannulated pedicle screw having a screw head, a tulip connected to the screw head, an extension connected to the tulip, an ini threadedly engaged with at least one of the tulip and the extension, and/or a guide wire disposed in at least one of the extension, the tulip, and the implant.
US09072549B2	Spinal clips for interspinous decompression A spinal clip for creating a potential space within the spinal canal and thus stabilizing the spine without the need for additional spinal components is embodied in different forms. The spinal clips are configured to provide a clamping or holding force against and/or to the spinous processes, transverse processes and/or the lamina of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, the spinous process clips utilize pivoting to effect clamping or holding. In another form, the spinous process clips utilize rotation to effect clamping or holding. Such rotation may be between clamping or holding members or via a screw system. In yet another form, the spinous process clips utilize ratcheting to effect clamping or holding. In a still further form, the spinous process clips utilize expansion to effect clamping or holding. Depending on the form of clamping or holding, the spinous process clips can provide infinite adjustment of the clamping or holding force within an adjustment range, or provide discrete steps or levels of the clamping or holding force.
US09072546B2	Spinal constructs with improved load-sharing A spinal construct for implantation in a patient to provide stabilization to spinal structure with improved load sharing includes a flexible spinal rod having a first end and a second end, the spinal rod being configured to provide stabilization to spinal structure. It also includes a first bone fastener configured to securely attach to the flexible spinal rod and a second bone fastener configured to securely attach to the flexible spinal rod. The second bone fastener is a dynamic fastener arranged to provide motion in one direction more than another direction. The flexible spinal rod and the second bone fastener are oriented to cooperate in a manner that achieves load sharing by dynamically flexing under applied loads in a manner that distributes stresses and strains between the flexible spinal rod and the second bone fastener.
US09072544B2	Device for dynamic posterior stabilisation matching the anatomic lordosis The a device is provided for dynamic posterior stabilization. The device combines includes a mobile piston rod with a piston head at an end thereof; a viscoelastic shock-absorbing unit having a convex surface; a fixed rod defining an angle relative to an axis of a casing and the fixed rod including, at an end thereof, a concave surface; a viscoelastic ring; and wherein the viscoelastic components are contained within the casing.
US09072528B2	Instrument and method to enhance articular cartilage regeneration A perforation instrument and method of using same, including a shaft capable of being inserted into a joint of a patient, having a longitudinal axis, and carrying at least one piercing member, each piercing member having a tip suitable to pierce sub-chondral bone. The instrument is capable of being altered between an exposed condition wherein the tip of the at least one piercing member is exposed and a safety condition wherein the tip of the at least one piercing member is not capable of piercing tissue.
US09072521B2	Non-invasive device for treating body tissue A device including a combined energy applicator including RF electrodes spaced apart that are operable in a bipolar mode for application of RF energy, one or more thermal energy elements for application of thermal energy, and one or more optical energy elements for application of light energy, a temperature sensor assembled in the combined energy applicator for detecting a temperature generated to a skin of a patient, and control circuitry programmed to select which of the RF energy, optical energy and thermal energy is applied to the skin, the temperature sensor being operative in a control loop with the control circuitry to control the energies in accordance with sensed feedback temperature.
US09072514B2	Shape memory filament for suture management A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.
US09072513B2	Methods and devices for termination Devices and methods used in termination of a tissue tightening procedure are described. Termination includes the cinching of a tether to tighten the tissue, locking the tether to maintain tension, and cutting excess tether. In procedures involving anchors secured to the tissue, the tether is coupled to the anchors and the tissue is tightened via tension applied to the anchors by cinching the tether. In general, the devices and methods can be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures, and can be applied through small incisions or intravascularly. A method for tightening tissue by fixedly coupling a first anchor to a tether and slidably coupling a second anchor to the tether, securing both anchors to the tissue, applying tension to the tether intravascularly, fixedly coupling the tether to the second anchor, and cutting the tether is described. The tissue to be tightened can comprise heart tissue, in particular heart valve annulus tissue. Various devices and methods for locking the tether in place and cutting excess tether are described.
US09072512B2	Safety suture cutting device and method A sheath for use with a scalpel cutting device including a sheath body configured to cover a scalpel blade at a distal end of a scalpel cutting device. The sheath advantageously includes a slot formed therein that extends from a first end at an edge of the sheath body to a second end adjacent the scalpel blade so that the slot intersects the blade and the blade is exposed only within the second end of the slot. The slot is configured such that an angle between a guiding side wall of the slot and the scalpel blade at the point of intersection is greater than 105° and less than 180°. In another embodiment, the ratio of the length of the shortest side wall to slot width is at least 2.
US09072511B2	Medical kit for constricting tissue or a bodily orifice, for example, a mitral valve A device, kit and method may include or employ an implantable device (e.g., annuloplasty implant) and a plurality of tissue anchors. The implantable device is positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) and operable to constrict a bodily orifice (e.g., a mitral valve). Each of the tissue anchors may be guided into precise position by an intravascularly or percutaneously techniques. Constriction of the orifice may be accomplished via a variety of structures, for example an articulated annuloplasty ring, the ring attached to the tissue anchors. The annuloplasty ring may be delivered in an unanchored, generally elongated configuration, and implanted in an anchored generally arched, arcuate or annular configuration. Such may approximate the septal and lateral (clinically referred to as anterior and posterior) annulus of the mitral valve, to move the posterior leaflet anteriorly and the anterior leaflet posteriorly, thereby improving leaflet coaptation to reduce mitral regurgitation.
US09072510B2	Acromioclavicular joint fixation technique A reconstruction system and method for fixation of bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The reconstruction system comprises two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) joined by a continuous loop of flexible material. Each button is provided with at least one opening that allows the passage of the flexible material. The button may be formed, for example, of metal, peek or plla. The flexible material may be a suture such as a FIBERWIRE® suture.
US09072509B2	Toggle bolt suture anchor kit In one embodiment, the present invention includes a toggle bolt suture anchor system including a toggle bolt suture anchor having at least one groove; and a toggle bolt delivery device having at least one push pin for pivotable interconnection with the groove.
US09072508B2	Device for taking at least one sample of tissue This invention relates to a device (10) for taking at least one sample of soft tissue from an organ, said device comprising a body (11) and a needle (12) arranged in the body and extending at least partly outside the body through the front end of the body, the needle is formed by a stylet and a cannula coaxial with said stylet. The device comprises a mechanism for arming the needle, designed for sequentially moving the stylet and then the cannula from a rest position to a shooting position wherein the stylet and the cannula are retracted towards the rear end of the body, and a triggering mechanism designed to release the stylet then the cannula and to allow their displacement from the shooting position to the rest position. The cannula is coupled to a cannula slider (24) comprising at least one retaining element (26) for maintaining the cannula slider in a shooting position. The stylet is coupled to a stylet slider (30) comprising at least one retaining element (32) for maintaining the stylet slider in a shooting position and means for unlocking the cannula slider. This device is characterized in that the stylet slider (30) comprises a support device (41) integral with the stylet and a guide device (42) mobile in the body (11) of the device, in that the displacement of the guide device (42) leads to the displacement of the support device (41) and in that the support device (41) and the guide device (42) have a clearance between each other.
US09072502B2	Disposable biopsy unit A disposable biopsy unit includes a biopsy needle unit and a pump. The biopsy needle unit includes a carrier, a biopsy needle and a cutting sheath. The carrier is configured to mount the biopsy needle and the cutting sheath. The cutting sheath is configured to move along a longitudinal axis relative to the biopsy needle. The pump has an elongate cylinder and a plunger. The plunger is configured to be movable inside the elongate cylinder in a first direction from a distal end of the elongate cylinder to a proximal end of the elongate cylinder to generate a vacuum and configured to be movable inside the elongate cylinder in a second direction from the proximal end of the elongate cylinder to the distal end of the elongate cylinder to build up pressure. The distal end of the elongate cylinder is coupled in fluid communication with the biopsy needle.
US09072499B2	Sample collection tool A sample collection tool comprises a collection end configured for collecting a sample. Optionally, the sample is collected from within a body cavity of an animal without causing significant discomfort or injury to the animal. A first handle portion has a first end connected to the collection end and a second end. A second handle portion is connected to the second end of the first handle portion by a breakable connection. The second end of the first handle portion has at least one winglet. The at least one winglet is compliant in a preferential direction. The breakable connection is ruptured at least in part when the at least one winglet is forced in the preferential direction.
US09072497B2	Method for an image data acquisition A method for an image data acquisition with a magnetic resonance device that has a display unit includes acquisition of at least one overview measurement with at least one image data set, evaluation of the at least one image data set, generation of information of a slice geometry, graphical presentation of the information of the slice geometry along at least one slice plane, and acquisition of image data regarding a medical and/or diagnostic question and/or examination.
US09072496B2	Method and system for modeling and processing fMRI image data using a bag-of-words approach Systems and methods for processing image data are provided. A computer implemented method for processing image data, comprises gathering 4-D image data from a subject, extracting time series data, and spatial and degree data of each voxel of the subject, deriving at least one feature from the time series data, deriving at least one feature from the spatial and degree data, combining the at least one feature from the time series data, and the at least one feature from the spatial and degree data to generate combined data, and inputting the combined data to a classifier, wherein the classifier outputs a classification based on the combined data.
US09072495B2	Method and apparatus to produce ultrasonic images using multiple apertures A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from received echoes is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.
US09072493B1	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and elastic evaluation method An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method having a highly-reliable elastic evaluation unit for tissues. The invention includes a signal processing unit that processes received data obtained after ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received to/from an inspection target through a probe. An ROI detection unit of the processing unit obtains a distance index indicating a region proper for an elastic evaluation based on brightness distribution of the received data obtained by transmitting and receiving first ultrasonic waves to/from the probe, and sets an ROI based on the distance index. Then, second ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the ROI to generate shear waves. An elastic evaluation unit calculates a shear wave velocity based on received data obtained by transmitting and receiving third ultrasonic waves in the ROI, and outputs the shear wave velocity and an elastic evaluation value of the ROI as a reliability index.
US09072491B2	Sleep evaluation device and sleep evaluation method With an evaluation device, a sleep level of a person being measured is discriminated based on a signal input from a body motion sensor. With the evaluation device, when a go-to-bed button is operated at time T3, time T3 is stored as the go-to-bed time. When a good-night button is operated at time T4, discrimination of sleep level is started. Thereafter, when the good-night button again is operated at time T5, the discrimination of sleep level ends.
US09072480B2	Universal laparoscopic suturing device A laparoscopic suturing device includes a handle and a shaft mounted to the handle. A toggle knob is adapted to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal axis. A pair of opposed jaws, each having a hollow structure, open and close relative to one another. A needle carrier and a needle holder are respectively slideably disposed in a lumen of a first and a second jaw. A needle has first and second pointed ends and is adapted to be press fit into the lumen of the first jaw with the first pointed end exposed and alternatively into the lumen of the second jaw with the second pointed end exposed. A spring-loaded pusher advances and retracts the needle carrier when the toggle knob is in a first position and advances and retracts the needle holder when in a second position. The tool assists a surgeon in suturing tissue captured between the jaws.
US09072477B2	Analyte monitoring device and methods of use An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US09072475B2	Splittable needle with fiber probe A needle comprises an elongated first shaft element with a C-shaped cross section and an elongated second shaft element with a C-shaped cross section. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are adapted to be detachably connected to each other. This is achieved by an overlap of respective end sections of the first and second shaft elements. Within the channel formed by the shaft elements, an optical probe may be accommodated from which the shaft elements may be removed by separating the two shaft elements from each other.
US09072472B2	Disposable assembly containing a skin piercing element The invention relates to devices used in the fields of drag delivery or sampling. More particularly, it relates to a disposable assembly which is fitted to an actuator device which causes the skin piercing element to enter the skin to deliver a drug (or other substance) or take a sample. Preferably the assembly is “made safe” after actuation, such that the disposable assembly can't be reused and more preferably still the skin piercing element is safely housed in the assembly such that it does not constitute a “sharps” risk.
US09072471B2	Portable ultrasound diagnosis apparatus A portable ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives an ultrasound wave to and from a subject; a processing unit being connected to the ultrasound probe and including a generating unit that generates image data of the subject on the basis of an ultrasound signal received by the ultrasound probe; a display controlling unit that exercises control so as to cause the image data to be displayed by an information terminal being connected to the processing unit and having a display unit; and an identifying unit that performs an identifying process on the basis of identification information of the information terminal. The display controlling unit exercises control so that the information terminal displays a diagnosis image area while varying the size thereof relative to the size of the display unit, in accordance with a result of the identifying process by the identifying unit.
US09072470B2	Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus, ultrasound image processing apparatus, image processing method, image display method, and computer program product As an ROI for display and an ROI for valve observation as well as a projecting direction are input, a volume-rendering processing unit creates a first image in the ROI for display through volume rendering processing, and the ray-tracing processing unit creates a second image in the ROI for valve observation through ray tracing processing. An image compositing unit then creates a composite image by compositing the first image and the second image, and the composite image created by the image compositing unit (13) is displayed on a monitor.
US09072468B2	Apparatus and methods for acoustically or mechanically stimulating a cochlea and intracochlear recording of mechanically or acoustically evoked auditory potentials in the cochlea An apparatus for acoustic or mechanical stimulation of a cochlea and measurement of acoustically or mechanically evoked electrophysiologic responses from the cochlea is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes an acoustic stimulator for generating an acoustic signal and an electrophysiologic response measuring device positioned proximal the cochlea or within the cochlea for measuring an acoustically evoked electrophysiologic response to the acoustic signal. Methods of utilizing the apparatus for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to hearing impairment are also provided.
US09072463B2	Prosthetic limb monitoring system Parameters related to use of a prosthesis by a patient with a limb amputation are monitored using a tool that includes one or more piezoelectric force sensors. The resulting data are processed for use both in short and long term management of amputee patients. The sensor is a small modular unit that fits within or between traditional prosthetic components, e.g., below a prosthesis socket. The data produced by the tool are collected, processed, and stored. Optionally, the data are periodically communicated to a remote site via a network, e.g., over the Internet. The device and associated software used to process the data can be used to characterize activities conducted by a prosthesis user, to determine pistoning or threatening interface stress distributions between the limb and socket, mal-alignment of the socket, use of improper components, and other possibly undesired conditions that the amputee patient using the prosthesis may be experiencing.
US09072462B2	Geometric optical power measurement device An ophthalmic optical power measurement device can include a light source configured to direct an input beam of light into the eye of a patient. The ophthalmic optical power measurement device can also include an aperture configured to receive an output beam that consists of light from the input beam that scatters from a location on the retina of the eye and exits through the pupil of the eye. The ophthalmic optical power measurement device can also include a detector configured to receive the output beam after it has passed through the aperture. A processor can be configured to determine the size of a spot created by the output beam on the detector, and to determine the optical power of the eye based upon the size of the spot.
US09072460B2	Optical coherence tomography device and optical coherence tomography method The present invention relates to an optical coherence tomography device and an optical coherence tomography method using same for capturing the cornea and the retina of the eye by using light sources in respectively different wavelength ranges. According to the present invention, included are two light sources, a first interferometer and a second interferometer for generating respectively different interference patterns by the light outputted from each of the light sources, and interference pattern detection means for detecting an interference pattern occurring in each interferometer.
US09072457B2	Optical image measurement apparatus and optical attenuator A cam face 303a of a cam 303 has a shape depending on the distribution of the light amount in the cross-section of reference light LR. When the cam 303 is rotated by a stepping motor 302, an abutment 312 moves following the displacement of the cam face 302a with the rotation of the cam 303. A light-blocking link 310 rotates about the axis of rotation 311 with the movement of the abutment 312. A shield 313 moves in a first direction with the rotation of the light-blocking link 310 to change the shielding region of the reference light LR. A light-blocking plate 400 can shield the reference light LR from a second direction different from a shielding direction (first direction) by an attenuator 300. The light-blocking plate 400 is moved by a drive mechanism 410 and changes the shielding region.
US09072454B2	Light source device for endoscopic or exoscopic applications A light source device for endoscopic or exoscopic applications includes a flat first light source, a second light source, an illuminating beam path that is configured to provide a first light beam emanating from the first light source for an endoscopic or exoscopic application, and a coupling device to couple a second light beam from the second light source into the illuminating beam path, whereby the coupling device is configured in such a way that at the coupling site the cross-section surface of the second light beam is smaller than the cross-section surface of the first light beam.
US09072453B2	Endoscope apparatus An endoscope apparatus includes a light source unit, an imaging element, a density calculating section, and an image processing section, wherein the image processing section changes frequency processing conditions with respect to the captured image such that the detection and enhancement degree of the structure and components of the living body in the subject are changed according to at least the density of each pixel of the captured image.
US09072450B2	Endoscope apparatus A distal end barrel that holds a light guide bundle and an electronic image pickup unit inside a distal end portion is formed in such a manner that the distal end barrel is divided in a first distal end barrel arranged on the distal end side of the distal end portion and a second distal end barrel supported via the first distal end barrel so as not to be exposed at an outer surface of the distal end portion, the second distal end barrel holding the light guide bundle and the electronic image pickup unit, and the second distal end barrel includes a member having a thermal conductivity higher than the thermal conductivity of the first distal end barrel, thereby protecting the image pickup device from thermal damage without an increase in temperature of the outer surface of the distal end portion.
US09072449B2	Wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.
US09072447B2	Determination of hemodynamic intolerance of ventricular pacing In some examples, this disclosure describes techniques for assessing hemodynamic intolerance of ventricular pacing. A method comprises sensing a parameter indicative of autonomic tone during a first period in which a medical device delivers ventricular pacing to a patient, sensing the parameter indicative of autonomic tone during a second period in which the medical device does not deliver ventricular pacing to the patient, and assessing a level of change in autonomic tone in the patient induced by ventricular pacing based on values of the sensed parameter during the first and second periods.
US09072445B2	Common bile duct surgical imaging system A method and apparatus for imaging features of a CBD in a patient introduces a fluorescent contrast agent into the CBD. A light source transmits both a visible light and a fluorescent light into a patient's abdominal cavity via the laparoscope. Cameras attached to or integrated into the laparoscope detect visible light images and fluorescent emission light images. The visible light image and fluorescent image signals are processed to combine the fluorescent emission light image signals and visible image signals into a single display signal. The system adjusts the display characteristics, such as color, of the fluorescent emission light image so it contrasts well with the visual light image so the surgeon can easily distinguish between the two images. The display signal is sent to a video monitor where the surgeon views the visible light image and the fluorescent image as a single overlaid image.
US09072440B2	Radiographic system and control method thereof A detection field setting unit of a console sets a detection field of detection pixels of an electronic cassette which are used to detect the dose of X-rays passing through a subject so as to correspond to each irradiation position on the basis of irradiation positions of an X-ray source set by a driving condition setting unit and ROI information such as the position and the size of a region of interest (ROI) of the subject M input through an input device and the height thereof from a radiography platform. The electronic cassette performs an automatic exposure control of detecting the dose of X-rays by the use of the detection pixels in the detection field set by the detection field setting unit of the console and automatically controlling the irradiation dose of X-rays on the basis of the detected dose, when performing a radiographing operation at the irradiation positions.
US09072439B2	Photoplethysmographic device and methods therefore An optical measurement device and a method for optical measurement are provided. The device comprises an illumination assembly configured to output light to a surface portion of a user for measurement; a detection assembly configured to detect the output light reflected from said surface portion of the user as a signal; an amplifier module coupled to the detection assembly configured to apply a gain to an AC component of the signal; a microcontroller coupled to the detection assembly configured to assess a DC voltage level of the signal; wherein the microcontroller is configured to control the light output at the illumination assembly based on said assessing the DC voltage level; and further wherein the microcontroller is configured to select a gain value for said applying the gain based on said assessing the DC voltage level. Specific embodiments of the device relate to a photoplethysmograph or pulse oximeter.
US09072435B2	Blood pressure measuring apparatus Adaptive attachments used in combination with a blood pressure cuff enable various blood pressure measurements to be taken in a hospital or other setting having various single and/or dual lumen manual or electronic blood pressure measuring equipment with a single, patient-worn cuff.
US09072431B2	Access system with removable outflow channel A surgical access device can comprise a working channel providing a first lumen having an axial opening for insertion of a surgical instrument having an outflow channel, the first lumen having a fluid inlet for allowing fluid flow through the working channel and into the body, wherein fluid flows out of the body through the outflow channel of the surgical instrument; and a optical channel providing a second lumen for a visualization element and a light source, wherein the working channel comprises a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the optical channel. The surgical access device can further comprise a seal apparatus coupled to the working channel and configured to receive the surgical instrument, the seal apparatus comprising a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the first seal portion configured to close the fluid path into the seal apparatus, and the second seal portion configured to form a seal with the surgical instrument.
US09072429B2	Apparatus and method for driving capacitive electromechanical transduction apparatus An apparatus is configured to drive a transduction apparatus including a cell with a first electrode and a second electrode disposed so as to oppose each other via a gap. The apparatus includes a timing detection unit and a control unit. The timing detection unit detects a timing of outputting of an electromagnetic wave from an electromagnetic wave source configured to output the electromagnetic wave to irradiate an object to be measured. The control unit drives and controls the transduction apparatus in synchronization with the detected timing such that the capacitive electromechanical transduction apparatus is put in a receiving state only for a period in which an acoustic wave generated in an inside of the object irradiated with the electromagnetic wave is received.
US09072425B1	Method of providing a proper on-site evidence chain for a combined drug test/DNA preservation protocol A combination of an on-site drug testing protocol and effective secure evidentiary procedure to ensure veracity and chain of possession for prosecution purposes is provided. Additionally, the procedural method includes a combined secure adhesive attachment to a drug test that serves as both an information collector and preservation device. The overall method thus includes steps of having a test subject apply oral fluids to a test device, covering and sealing the device, and taking real-time information and photographs into a time-stamp system and supplying such information and photographs instantly to a secure database. The oral fluids are thus preserved by the information-providing seal under a proper cover component to ensure DNA material is permitted for authenticity purposes as well. The overall protocol thus accords an all-encompassing evidentiary chain model at a highly trustworthy level if needed in a courtroom setting.
US09072423B1	Debris collection apparatus A disposable debris collection apparatus that is operable to collect debris from either a horizontal surface or a vertical surface. The disposable debris collection apparatus further includes a body stored in a first position within a container. The body is planar in manner and operable to be dispensed in portions from said container to be folded into at least a first section and a second section so as to collect debris. The body further includes a first and second adhesive strip proximate the front edge of the body wherein the first and second adhesive strip are parallel and extend the entire longitudinal length of the body. A plurality of longitudinal seams are formed on said body proximate a rear edge wherein the plurality of longitudinal seams are operable to facilitate the configuring of said body into a second position so as to collect debris.
US09072409B2	Tongs separable into two serving implements or the like Two elongated serving implements such as a slotted spoon and un-slotted spoon can easily be connected together by respective inter-fitting portions including respective cam surfaces that securely hold the utensils together and in a resiliently spaced position, but may be separated easily.
US09072406B2	Beverage dispenser with hygienic cleaning cycle A flavored-beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: —a fluid circuit having a duct (10) that has an outlet (15) for dispensing a flavored-beverage over a filling area (35) for user-receptacles (40); and —a cleaning arrangement for removing remnant flavored-beverage from the duct by passing a clearing fluid through the duct and out of the duct via the outlet, The cleaning arrangement has: —means (300, 400, 450) for providing a gas under pressure; and —a configuration for passing such a gas as this clearing fluid under pressure through and out of the duct for evacuating remnant flavored-beverage from the duct.
US09072403B2	Home appliance with improved griddle insulation retainer A home appliance having a griddle includes an appliance body; a cooktop on the appliance body and defining a griddle space; a griddle housing in the body adjacent the griddle space and operatively associated with the griddle; a griddle insulation retainer for removable disposition within the griddle space for supporting insulation material intermediate the griddle and the griddle insulation retainer, the griddle insulation retainer including a base and a wall; and a mounting arrangement for mounting the griddle insulation retainer to the range body including a first mating component on the griddle insulation retainer and a second mating component on the griddle housing, wherein the first mating component is removably joined to the second mating component in a press-fit manner.
US09072399B2	Boil-tolerant cookware In some embodiments, a cooking utensil comprises a pot with a lid that divides a cooking chamber in the pot from a condensing chamber above the lid. To prevent boil-over, one or more openings in the lid and/or openings radially between the lid and the pot convey bidirectional flow between the cooking and condensing chambers. Boiling liquid/vapor foam from the cooking chamber flows upward through the opening to the condensing chamber. Upon subsequently flowing across an upper surface of the lid, the liquid/foam condenses and then returns through the opening to the cooking chamber. In some examples, the cookware includes both a mechanical seal and a liquid seal between the lid and the pot. In some embodiments, a single opening in the lid maximizes the lid's condensing surface while still allowing sufficient flow between the cooking and condensing chambers. Such a single opening also makes the cookware easy to clean.
US09072397B2	Compression sock aid Disclosed is a compression sock aid device having a left and right double paneled structure hingedly connected to one another, wherein a spring member provides outward bias to facilitate opening of the device and the spreading of sock material placed thereover. Rope handles with gripping portions and associated hook notch closure means are provided, along with friction pads and thumb grips to facilitate the application of compression stockings and tight fitting hosiery onto the leg of the wearer. The hosiery is placed over the device while the spring member and hinged connection enable the opening of the hosiery placed thereon. The device is secured using the rope handle that includes a fastening ball, wherein the rope handle is placed into an opposing hook notch to resist the outward bias of the spring member. The inner panels support the hosiery away from the user's skin while the inner panels slide thereagainst.
US09072395B2	Spout interlocking device of a teapot A spout interlocking device of a teapot has a first fixing module, a handle module, and a spout cover module. The first fixing module has a first positioning base, and a first base cover covering a top of the first positioning base. The handle module is pivotably mounted on the first positioning base and has a first handle, a second handle, and an interlocking unit. The first handle and the second handle are mounted in the first positioning base. The interlocking unit is mounted on the front ends of the first handle and the second handle and is pivotably mounted in the first positioning base. The spout cover module is mounted on the first positioning base and has a pivot portion pivotably mounted in the first positioning base and a cover body connected with the pivot portion.
US09072390B2	Method for manufacturing a foam spring for pillow, cushion, mattresses, or the like A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body made of foam with holes extending inwardly from an outside surface to an inside location, wherein the holes extend at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a line perpendicular to the outside surface of the spring at the position of the hole. The foam spring is manufactured by a method which comprises providing interrupted slits along lines extending in the longitudinal direction of a foam layer; cutting a transverse strip out of this foam layer; bending two opposite ends of the strip towards each other; and fixing the two opposite ends into a tubular shape to form the tubular resilient body, wherein the slits are made in a direction forming an angle with the direction perpendicular to the surface of the foamed layer.
US09072382B2	Portable and collapsible chair A collapsible and portable chair for storage in a container. The chair includes two separate components: a seat portion and back portion. The back portion is received within an aperture of seat portion and supported by a collar. The back portion and the seat portion are connected with a tether and sized to be placed within a standard bucket during storage and for placement on the top of the bucket during use.
US09072380B2	Bracket assemblies for attachment to framing studs to create work surface A bracket/strut assembly that is connectable to wood or metal wall studs is described that when used in at least a pair provide a support structure for holding a flat board, such as drywall or plywood, in a horizontal or near horizontal orientation. In a typical application, embodiments of the bracket assemblies are used in combination with the board as a blueprint table at a construction site.
US09072377B2	Apparatus, system, and method for supporting computer peripherals on a chair An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for supporting computer peripherals on a chair. An apparatus for supporting computer peripherals on a chair includes a support plate, a mounting plate, and a pivoting member. The support plate includes a substantially flat surface for supporting a computer peripheral. The mounting plate includes one or more engagement mechanisms for engaging a side of an armrest of a chair. When the mounting plate is engaged to the side of the armrest the mounting plate is oriented in a substantially vertical plane. The pivoting member couples the support plate to the mounting plate. The pivoting member permits the support plate to pivot relative to the mounting plate between a chair access mode and a peripheral usage mode.
US09072373B2	Modular furniture building block A modular furniture building block for providing a modular furniture unit that can be combined with other units to construct or reconstruct any piece of furniture or structure. The modular furniture building block generally includes modular block panels that have a plurality of slots on the surface and/or sides and a plurality of cartridges to connect multiple block panels together at their slots. Multi-port receivers may be attached to the slots and the block panels may be connected by the cartridges via the multi-port receivers.

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